Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth lead to pain while drinking or eating. You will often be familiar with the sharp sensitivity occurring when you have a bite of ice cream or take a sip of hot coffee. Although is a frustrating dental problem, right care can treat this condition easily. 

What are sensitive teeth?

When the external protective layers of your teeth wear away or get damaged, it exposes the dentin underneath leading to sensitive teeth. Tiny tubes present within the dentin connects to the nerves in the teeth. As a result, these nerves produce discomfort and sensitivity when they come in contact with sweet, sour, cold, hot or acidic stimuli.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

You can recognise a sensitive tooth easily by the sharp, sudden pain producing excessive discomfort. This mainly occurs when the affected tooth is exposed to:

• Hot or cold drinks or food: Sudden temperature changes often trigger pain, indicating sensitivity.
• Sweet or acidic food items: Consumption of sugary or acidic items might also flare up sensitivity.
• Brushing or flossing: You will also face discomfort due to sensitivity when you brush or floss as a part of your daily oral care.
• Cold air: Breathing in cold air might also trigger sensitivity in your mouth.

What causes sensitivity in your teeth?

A sensitive tooth may occur due to several reasons, such as:

• Worn tooth enamel: Aggressive brushing and teeth grinding may cause your enamel to wear away over time.
• Gum recession: Recession of gums is often a key cause of sensitivity as it exposes the dental roots underneath.
• Cracks or tooth decays: Fractures, cracks or cavities are key reasons leading to sensitive tooth as they cause exposure of the dentin.
• Teeth whitening products: Certain teeth whitening agents increase temporary tooth sensitivity.
• Acidic drinks or foods: You will more likely have sensitive tooth when you consume acidic beverages including citrus fruits or soda frequently as these erode enamel.
• Recent dental procedures: If you have undergone dental treatments like crowns or fillings recently, you may tend to experience sensitivity for some time.

What are the solutions for sensitive teeth?

Different kinds of treatments are effective in reducing and managing the discomfort produced by sensitive teeth, such as:

• Desensitising toothpaste: If you use special formulated toothpaste for your sensitive teeth, it may block pain signals from reaching the nerve. In fact, use of desensitising toothpaste regularly can reduce sensitivity over time.
• Fluoride treatments: Undergoing fluoride treatments can again reduce sensitivity by strengthening enamel and protecting the exposed areas of the teeth.
• Bonding agents: The dentist may use bonding agents to cover you exposed roots and sensitive areas of the teeth to provide you relief.
• Gum grafts: A gum graft is used to restore any missing tissue of your teeth and safeguard the exposed roots from the sensitivity caused by a gum recession.
• Avoid acidic foods: Once you cut down on acidic and sugary foods, it prevents your enamel from wearing away further wear.
• Proper brushing techniques: Consider using a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently to avoid any further gum recession or erosion of the enamel.

How to prevent sensitive teeth?

A good oral hygiene and smart lifestyle patterns are the key ways to preventing sensitive teeth.

• Brush gently: Using a soft bristled toothbrush and avoiding aggressive brushing can protect your enamel from wearing away.
• Use desensitising toothpaste: Practise using a desensitising toothpaste on a regular basis to prevent your teeth from sensitivity.
• Limit acidic foods: Once youeliminateacidic and sugary foods from your dietary routine, you can definitely enjoy an improved dental health.
• Put on a mouthguard: If you have a habit of grinding teeth over the night, practise wearing a mouthguard when you sleep to prevent your enamel erosion.
• Get regular dentist visits: When you have regular dentist visits, it is easy to detect sensitivity early and proceed with necessary prevention and treatments.