How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

1. The normal dental structure:

The Crown and root are the two basic parts that make up the structure of the teeth. The very first is the visible part of the tooth, while the root is present inside the gum tissue. A thin layer of enamel covers the crown. That is a very mineralised structure, without innervation of nerves or blood vessels.

The dentin is present underneath and covered by the tooth enamel (in the crown) and in all root. Dentin is permeable, with millions of tubules. Each tubule has its innervation that comes from the pulp underneath the dentin.

2. Tooth Sensitivity after cleaning

A thin yellow layer is a form along the lining of teeth known as dental plaque. It is slowly formed with time and after the dental plaque hardens, it is not possible to remove it by brushing and flossing. Only a professional cleaning can remove the dental plaque in these situations.

After a cleaning process performed by the dental professional, it is possible that the patient feels dentin hypersensitivity and tooth pain leading to tooth sensitivity.

The root and crown of the teeth have been cleaned from the dental plaque. Yet, part of the root (formed by dentin) that was hidden by it is now exposed to the salivary secretions.

That is why tooth sensitivity arises. It’s a consequence of the exposure of dentin after the cleaning treatment. It is a normal condition associated with this procedure. This discomfort and irritation can last a few hours or even a couple of days.

3. Treatments to prevent tooth sensitivity associated with cleaning

From the patient side:

• Improve oral health. Maintain oral hygiene by flossing and brushing correctly. Do it twice a day (first thing in the morning and last before bed in the night)
• Use toothpaste with high fluoride content
• Patients with tooth sensitivity should use daily fluoride (0.05%) for at least one week before the appointment.
• To reduce tooth sensitivity, use desensitising toothpaste to rapidly relieve sensitivity from sensations like hot and cold or acidic foods.

From the dentist side:

• Use an atraumatic technique
• Use fluoride gel treatment after the cleaning process
• Anaesthetised the sensitivity region
• Use specific products for sensitivity after cleaning like mouthwash or medicines.