Teeth sensitive to cold, hot: what to do?

In contact with an element that is too hot or too cold, the teeth can hurt. This is called dental hypersensitivity. What are the symptoms to recognize it? The causes ? The solutions to overcome it?

Definition: what is dental hypersensitivity?

Do your teeth hurt when you drink your tea or on the contrary when you enjoy an iced sorbet? It could be dental hypersensitivity. This frequent condition is manifested by dental pain, which is triggered in very specific situations: with food that is too hot or too cold, when rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth, when breathing air that is too cold on a hot day. winter, etc.

What are the symptoms of dental hypersensitivity?

Dental or dentin hypersensitivity (related to dentin, the ivory of the tooth) is manifested by brief but sharp dental pain in the presence of certain risk factors. The pain may manifest with a hot liquid (coffee), cold (ice water), sweet foodsof the acidic foods or with the toothbrush when brushing.

What is the difference with a cavity?

Pain related to dental hypersensitivity can resemble that of a cavity. To make the difference“it’s simple, explains Dr Christophe Dr Lequart, dental surgeon and national spokesperson for theUFSBD. Unlike dental pain resulting from cavities, dental hypersensitivity pain is not localized to a specific tooth but to the entire dentition.“

You must use a manual or electric toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles.

What causes hot or cold sensitive teeth?

It is the exposure of the dentin which is at the origin of dental hypersensitivity. This dentin is, with the cementum, the pulp, and the enamel, one of the four tissues which constitute the tooth. It is protected by the gums and the enamel that envelops the teeth. But “in the presence of certain pathologies, or following certain traumas, the dentin is no longer protected, pinholes on the surface of the tooth are exposedcommunicating the outside of the tooth with the area where the nerve is located through tiny channels called dentinal tubules, which makes the tooth sensitive in the presence of certain factors”describes Dr. Lequart, dental surgeon.

There are different causes of dentin exposure:

• Gingival inflammation: this condition can cause the gums to retract, which has the effect of uncovering part of the root of the tooth.
• Scaling, which can cause temporary pain.
• Incorrect brushing: the use of toothpaste that is too abrasive, or a brush that is too hard, poor technique, etc.
• A fractured or chipped tooth, worn down by bruxism, i.e. involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
• An acid diet that will dissolve the enamel can also be responsible for dental hypersensitivity.

Diseases that weaken the dentin: pathologies that cause frequent acid regurgitation can cause dental hypersensitivity. This is particularly the case for eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia), certain cancers due to chemotherapy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pregnancy is also a time when you can sometimes suffer from tooth sensitivity due to first trimester vomiting.

Once the diagnosis has been made, dentine hypersensitivity is treated using a manual or electric toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles (gum protection), a desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride gel mouthwashes, available on prescription. It also exists desensitizing products, such as nail polish, which will also fill the micro-holes in the dentin. A visit to the dentist is enough to put it on. The appearance of tooth sensitivity, even intermittent, is a reason for consultation with the dentist.

Which toothpastes to choose in case of dental hypersensitivity?

There are toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Are they effective?“Yes, they improve tooth sensitivity problems when used over the long term. They do indeed contain strontium chloride which obstructs the micro-holes formed on the surface of the enamel. Of course, it should be at the same time adopt the right preventive measures, in particular not to consume too many acidic foods”, advises Dr. Lequart. There are also toothpastes which make it possible to constitute a substitute enamel and which protect the teeth from acid attacks, including at the level of the gums. “Unlike sensitive teeth toothpastes whose components serve as a sort of plug to fill the holes in the enamel, these toothpastes create an integral microscopic film on the surface of the dentin.” On the other hand, it is necessary avoid regular use of too abrasive “whitening” toothpastes. In force, they have a stripping effect which contributes to damaging the enamel.

Which toothbrush to choose in case of dental hypersensitivity?

Damaged and receding gums can also contribute to exposing dentin and making teeth sensitive. In question the traumatic brushings, particularly supporteds. If you are the type to brush your teeth vigorously with a hard brush and preferably in the horizontal direction, all the conditions are met to attack your gums.

→ Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles and methodical brushing : brush the top and bottom separately, alternate vertical and rotary movements, always brush from red to white, that is to say from the gums towards the tooth and do not forget the internal face of the teeth, as well as the teeth of wisdom, sometimes more difficult to reach. “This advice is all the more important if the teeth are badly positioned and misaligned and therefore more difficult to clean. With age, moreover, the gums sag and become thinner, so brushing must also be as gentle as possible”, adds Christophe Lequart.

What foods to avoid in case of dental hypersensitivity?

“To protect the enamel, it is necessary to avoid the consumption of acidic foods because they gradually demineralize it and make it more brittle.the”, advises Dr. Lequart. We will therefore avoid citrus fruits (lemons, grapefruits, oranges) fresh or in juice, but also certain vegetables such as tomatoes, sorrel or watercress. Be careful also with sodas, energy drinks, sour candies and vitamin C medications, all of which are very acidic.

Can baking soda be used for dental hypersensitivity?

the sodium bicarbonate is best known for removing stains on teeth and helping to restore a bright smile. However, care must be taken when using it directly on the toothbrush. “It contains large grains of bicarbonate, whose effect, more abrasive than polishing, ends up damaging the enamel.“, warns Dr. Lequart.

To avoid suffering from dental hypersensitivity, it is better to use “whiteness” toothpastes which also contain sodium bicarbonate but which are completely harmless to the teeth, without overdoing it because in the long run they strip the enamel.

Thanks to Dr Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon.