Dentin Hypersensitivity: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common condition that causes sharp, sudden pains in the teeth when exposed to certain substances such as hot or cold food and drinks, sweet foods, cold air and even brushing.

The most common types of dentin hypersensitivity include:

• Thermal Hypersensitivity: This type of dentin hypersensitivity is caused by sudden changes in temperature, such as when drinking very cold or hot beverages.
• Physical Hypersensitivity: This type of dentin hypersensitivity occurs when something physically touches the exposed dentin root surface, such as a toothbrush bristle or food particles.
• Chemical Hypersensitivity: This type of dentin hypersensitivity is caused by contact with acidic substances, such as citrus fruits and sodas.
• Occlusal Hypersensitivity: This type of dentin hypersensitivity occurs when the teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, acids, or mechanical forces during everyday activities such as eating and drinking.

Dentin hypersensitivity is caused by an exposure of the dentin layer of the teeth, which occurs when gum tissue recedes from the tooth surface or when the enamel coating is worn away. Other causes include:

• Erosion due to acid exposure from foods and drinks.
• Aggressive brushing.
• Gum disease.

The most common symptom of dentin hypersensitivity is a sharp, sudden pain in response to cold, hot, sweet, or acidic stimuli. Other symptoms may include:

• A feeling of discomfort when brushing or flossing the teeth.
• Heightened sensitivity to air.

To prevent dentin hypersensitivity, it is important to:

• Practise good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Avoid acidic food and drinks and limit sugary snacks.
• Visit the dentist for regular checkups as it can help detect dental issues early on that may be causing sensitivity.

• Air blast test: A stream of air is directed at the sensitive tooth and the patient is asked if they feel pain or discomfort.
• Cold water test: A stream of cold water is applied to the sensitive tooth and the patient is asked if they feel pain or discomfort.
• Heat test: A warm or hot stimulus is applied to the sensitive tooth and the patient is asked if they feel pain or discomfort.
• Electric pulp tester: Uses a small electric current to stimulate the tooth and can help to determine the level of sensitivity.
• Other diagnostic tools: Dental cavities, gum disease or fractures, etc.

Possible complications of dentin hypersensitivity include:

• Discomfort during eating and drinking
• Difficulty in brushing teeth due to pain and sensitivity.
• Increased risk of decay due to enamel erosion.
• Increased risk of infection due to receding gums.

• Oil Pulling: Take 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. This helps to reduce inflammation and sensitivity.
• Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse. This helps to soothe the affected area, decrease swelling, and reduce sensitivity.
• Sesame Seed Oil: Sesame seed oil is known to be an effective treatment for dentin hypersensitivity due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Take some sesame seed oil on your finger or a cotton ball and rub it over the affected area twice or thrice daily for best results.
• Turmeric Paste: Turmeric has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties which makes it an effective remedy for dentin hypersensitivity. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with some water or milk to make a paste and apply it on the affected area twice daily for best results.
• Fenugreek Seeds: Grind some fenugreek seeds into a powder form, mix it with some water or milk to make a paste and apply this paste on the affected area twice daily for best results

• Eat soft, bland foods such as oatmeal, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and plain yoghourt.
• Try to eat more dairy products like milk and cheese, which can help strengthen teeth enamel.
• Incorporate more calcium-rich foods in your diet such as almonds, spinach, kale, salmon, sardines and tofu.

Here are a few examples of foods and drinks that people with dentin hypersensitivity may want to avoid:

• Very hot or cold foods and drinks
• Very sweet foods and drinks
• Very sour foods and drinks
• Crunchy or hard foods (such as ice or popcorn)
• Sticky or chewy foods (such as caramel or gummy candies)
• Foods and drinks that contain high levels of acid (such as citrus fruits or tomato sauce)
• Foods and drinks that contain high levels of sugar (such as candy or soft drinks)
• Alcoholic beverages

• Fluoride application: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel and dentin of teeth, making them less sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
• Desensitising toothpaste: There are many over-the-counter desensitising toothpastes that contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride which help reduce sensitivity by blocking the nerve pathways in the dentin.
• Soft-tissue laser treatment: A soft-tissue laser can be used to seal off open dentinal tubules, reducing sensitivity by forming a protective layer over the tooth surface.
• Bonding agents: A bonding agent such as resin can be used to cover exposed parts of the tooth surface, reducing sensitivity caused by receding gums and exposed root surfaces.
• Root canal therapy: In cases where the pulp is inflamed or infected, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the affected tissue and reduce sensitivity in the long term.

• The best type of doctor to consult for this condition is a dentist.
• A dentist can diagnose the problem and suggest treatments such as desensitising toothpaste, fluoride gel or bonding agents.

• The best medicines for dentin hypersensitivity are those that contain active ingredients that block the pathways through which pain signals are sent from the nerves to the brain.
• These active ingredients include potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, and fluoride.
• Additionally, desensitising toothpastes with ingredients such as arginine and calcium carbonate have been found to be effective at reducing dentin hypersensitivity.

• Generally, mild dentin hypersensitivity can be managed with lifestyle changes and home remedies such as avoiding acidic foods, not brushing too hard, and using desensitising toothpaste.
• For more severe cases, professional treatments such as fluoride varnish or bonding agents may be necessary.
• Recovery times for these treatments can range from a few weeks to several months.

• The effects of treatment for dentin hypersensitivity can vary, but generally the results are long-lasting.
• Treatment may include using desensitising toothpastes or gels, fluoride varnishes or other treatments that help reduce the sensitivity of the teeth.
• In most cases, these treatments will provide relief from dentin hypersensitivity for several months to years.

The following are the post-surgical treatment guidelines for dentin hypersensitivity:

• Patients should use a desensitising toothpaste as an adjunct to other treatments.
• Flouride treatments, such as gels and varnishes, can be used to reduce sensitivity.
• The application of pit and fissure sealants can reduce the risk of further sensitivity by sealing off exposed dentin tubules.
• Bonding agents and resin-based protective coatings can also be used to physically block exposed dentin surfaces from external stimuli or irritants.
• In cases of severe sensitivity, a root canal treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage or pain caused by dentinal hypersensitivity.

• The cost of Dentin Hypersensitivity treatments in India can vary widely depending on the type of treatment chosen.
• Generally, treatments such as desensitising toothpastes, fluoride gels, and bonding agents can range from around 500-2,500 INR per session.
• Other more complex treatments such as laser therapy or sealing of exposed dentin tubules may cost up to 10,000 INR or more per session.

The most common side effects of dentin hypersensitivity treatments are temporary tooth sensitivity, minor gum or tissue irritation, and possible discoloration of the treated teeth.Other rare but possible side effects include allergic reactions, mouth sores, and inflammation.

If you are suffering from any complications relating Dentin Hypersensitivity then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can complications like ' Difficulty in brushing teeth due to pain and sensitivity, increased risk of decay due to enamel erosion, increased risk of infection due to receding gums ' in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.