Dental Sensitivity: Causes and Treatments in Geneva
You bite into an ice cream. A sharp pain passes through the tooth. Brief. Acute. Unpleasant. Hot coffee causes the same reaction. Sometimes even cold air is enough.
It’s tooth sensitivity. It affects one in three adults. She is not ordinary. It signals a problem that your dentist in Geneva can identify and treat.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Dental sensitivity (or dentin hypersensitivity) is a brief, sharp pain triggered by an external stimulus: cold, hot, sweet, acid, air, contact.
The pain comes from exposed dentin. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. It contains thousands of microscopic tubules which communicate directly with the nerve of the tooth (the pulp). When dentin is exposed, stimuli reach the nerve. The pain is immediate.
The causes of tooth sensitivity
Gum recession
The gum recedes. The root of the tooth is exposed. The root has no enamel. It is covered only with cement, a thin layer that wears quickly. The root dentin is then exposed.
Causes of recession: brushing too aggressively, periodontal disease, age, labial or lingual piercing, orthodontics.
Enamel erosion
The enamel gradually thins. Acids are the main culprits: sodas, citrus juices, vinegar, gastric reflux, repeated vomiting (bulimia). Brushing immediately after acidic exposure worsens erosion.
Tooth decay
A cavity that reaches the dentin causes sensitivity. If the decay progresses toward the pulp, the sensitivity progresses to continued pain. This is a warning sign that should not be ignored.
Too aggressive brushing
Brushing horizontally with a stiff brush wears away the enamel at the neck of the tooth (the area between the crown and the root). Abrasion lesions form. Dentin is exposed. This is one of the most common causes of sensitivity.
Bruxism
Clenching and grinding your teeth wear away enamel prematurely. Excessive pressure on the teeth can also crack the enamel. Nocturnal bruxism is often unknown to the patient.
Teeth whitening
Bleaching products (hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide) may cause temporary sensitivity. It usually disappears within a few days after treatment ends. This is not a permanent injury.
Recent dental treatment
After a filling, crown or scaling, temporary sensitivity is normal. It disappears in 1 to 4 weeks. If it persists, consult.
Treatments for tooth sensitivity
Home treatments
Desensitizing toothpaste. Potassium nitrate or tin fluoride toothpastes (Sensodyne, Elmex Sensitive) block the dentinal tubules. The effect is gradual. Use them as daily toothpaste for at least 4 weeks. You can also apply a dab of desensitizing toothpaste directly to the sensitive area at bedtime.
Soft toothbrush. Replace your hard or medium brush with a soft brush. Brush with gentle circular movements, never horizontal. An electric brush with a pressure sensor is ideal.
Fluoride mouthwash. A fluoride mouthwash (Elmex, Meridol) strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity. Use it once a day after evening brushing.
Avoid acids. Limit sodas, citrus juices, salad dressings. Wait 30 minutes after an acidic meal before brushing your teeth.
Treatments at the dental office
Fluoride varnish. The dentist applies a concentrated fluoride varnish to sensitive areas. Fluoride seals the tubules and strengthens the dentin surface. The effect lasts several months. The treatment is quick and painless.
Desensitizing agent. Resins or bonding agents are applied to exposed areas. They create a protective barrier on the dentin.
Cervical obturation. If the wear at the neck is significant, the dentist fills the lesion with a composite. The dentin is covered. Sensitivity disappears.
Gum grafting. If gum recession is advanced, a gum graft covers the exposed root. It is a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist. It gives lasting results.
Anti-bruxism splint. If bruxism is the cause, a night splint protects the enamel from wear. The gutter is custom made. It is worn at night.
Root treatment. As a last resort, if the sensitivity is intense and does not respond to any treatment, devitalization of the tooth may be considered. The nerve is removed. The tooth no longer feels anything. This option is exceptional.
When to consult?
Consult your dentist in Geneva if: - Sensitivity has lasted for more than 2 weeks - The pain becomes spontaneous (without stimulus) - The pain is localized to a single tooth (possible decay or crack) - Your gums are bleeding or visibly receding - A desensitizing toothpaste does not bring improvement after 4 weeks
Prevention: how to avoid tooth sensitivity
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush and fluoridated toothpaste
- Never brush immediately after an acidic meal
- Floss daily
- Limit acidic foods and drinks
- Wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night
- Have a scaling and check-up with your dentist twice a year
- Do not whiten your teeth with unsupervised products
FAQ
Is tooth sensitivity serious? In itself, no. But it signals an underlying problem (recession, erosion, decay, bruxism) which can worsen if not treated. Sensitivity is a warning signal.
Is a desensitizing toothpaste enough? In mild cases (generalized sensitivity to cold), yes. Desensitizing toothpaste is effective after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use. If sensitivity persists or worsens, in-office treatment is necessary.
Does scaling cause sensitivity? Yes, temporarily. Tartar covered the exposed collars. Its removal exposes the dentin. Sensitivity disappears in 1 to 2 weeks. Scaling remains essential for gum health.
Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own? Sometimes. If the cause is temporary (bleaching, recent treatment), the sensitivity disappears spontaneously. If the cause is structural (recession, erosion), it does not disappear without intervention.
Sensitive teeth? Make an appointment at Studio Smile in Chêne-Bougeries for a precise diagnosis. Our treatments target the cause of your sensitivity. Consultations in French, English and several other languages. Book online or call us.