Increased tooth sensitivity is called hyperesthesia. It is when the teeth are particularly sensitive to a wide range of stimuli, including taste and temperature stimulants. Pain sensations usually occur on the tooth surface immediately after contact with the stimulus after which the pain quickly disappears. A distinguishing feature of high sensitivity of teeth is the pain during inhalation of the cold air in the frosty weather. Increased tooth sensitivity can be a side effect of another dental disease or occur independently. Doctors distinguish between systemic and non-systemic hypersensitivity sources.

The non-systemic causes include negative impact of acidic substances on the enamel (such substances are contained, for example, in fruits and carbonated beverages), increased tooth sensitivity after whitening, consequences of periodontitis. The systemic factors include deficiency of mineral compounds (magnesium, phosphorus and other essential minerals), viral infections, the effects of gastrointestinal disease, hormonal changes, professional activities in hazardous industries, psychological stresses.

Of course, the best recommendation is to visit your dentist and find out the possible causes of sensitivity.

It should be remembered that the most important stage of teeth whitening course is remineralization procedure (enamel restoration). It is necessary to use remineralizing gel containing calcium, magnesium, phosphates after each procedure to strengthen the enamel and prevent the occurrence of sensitivity.

Also please try to adhere to simple rules during meals: limit the consumption of acidic and sugary foods, watch out for sudden changes in temperature at the consumption of hot and cold drinks.

It is possible to whiten sensitive teeth but only with products specially designed for sensitive tooth enamel. From this point of view, the most interesting products are home teeth whitening systems specially adapted for sensitive teeth. They contain potassium nitrate which significantly reduces the sensitivity during the whitening procedure.

Relatively new products to combat hyperesthesia are gels, foams and mouthwashes. They are used during the day or before bedtime.

* You can prepare the following rinse solutions at home to reduce the tooth sensitivity:

1. 5 drops of eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils for 100 ml of water, use 2 – 3 times a day.

2. burdock decoction (1 tea spoon of chopped burdock herb for 250 ml of boiling water, boil for 2 – 3 minutes, remove the decoction from fire, brew for an hour, use decanted decoction for rinse).

Please consult your dentist when choosing oral hygiene and teeth whitening products.