Do you feel a sharp pain or discomfort in your teeth when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour? If this is the case, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects a large number of people. It can make enjoying your favorite food or beverages impossible and harm your oral health. This blog will explain what causes tooth sensitivity, how to prevent it, and what are the best treatment options available for you.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the protective layer of teeth, also known as enamel, wears away or becomes damaged. This reveals the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth containing tiny nerve endings. When these nerve endings are stimulated by stimuli such as temperature, pressure, or acidity, they send pain signals to the brain.
Many factors can cause tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard toothbrush.
- Grinding your teeth at night (bruxism).
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, soda, wine, or vinegar.
- Having dental conditions, such as cavities, broken or chipped teeth, worn-down fillings or crowns, or gum disease.
- Medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, or bulimia nervosa.
- If you have gone through dental treatment, such as teeth whitening, fillings, crowns, or root canal treatment. These can temporarily make the teeth more sensitive until they heal.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
The best way to avoid tooth sensitivity is to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can harm your teeth. Here are some preventative measures for tooth sensitivity.
- Brushing your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help to strengthen enamel while also reducing sensitivity.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can lead to cavities and gum disease like gum recession.
- After eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages, rinse your mouth with water. This can help neutralize the acid and remove any residue that may be harmful to your teeth.
- Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or nails. This can expose the dentin which eventually results in teeth sensitivity.
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth. This can protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear and reduce pressure on the jaw.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can detect and treat any dental problems that can cause sensitivity before they get worse.
- Ask your dentist about sealants or fluoride varnish. These are protective coatings that can be applied to the teeth to cover the exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity.
What are the Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity?
You don't have to suffer in silence if you have tooth sensitivity. There are numerous treatment options available to help you in relieving pain and improving your oral health. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause and severity of your tooth sensitivity:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: This is a type of toothpaste that contains ingredients that prevent dentin nerve endings from sending pain signals to the brain. It may take several weeks of use before you notice any improvement.
- Desensitizing gel or rinse: This is a product that you apply to your teeth after brushing. It works in the same way that desensitizing toothpaste does by numbing the nerve endings in the dentin.
- Bonding or composite resin: This is a procedure where your dentist applies a tooth-colored material to the exposed dentin or root surface to seal it and protect it from getting exposed to any stimuli that might cause tooth sensitivity pain.
- Filling or crown: This is a procedure in which your dentist uses a filling or a crown (a cap that covers the entire tooth) to restore a decayed, broken, or worn-down tooth. This can restore the tooth's function and appearance while also preventing further damage and teeth sensitivity.
- Root canal treatment: Your dentist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth and replace it with a rubber-like material during this procedure. This will eliminate any pain caused by pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp).
Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that can affect people of all ages. It can cause tooth pain and discomfort, lowering your quality of life. Tooth sensitivity, on the other hand, is not a permanent condition and can be treated in a variety of ways. The first step is to see your dentist to determine the source of your sensitivity. Then, you can implement the preventive measures and treatment options recommended by your dentist. This allows you to eat and drink without experiencing any pain while also keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
SmileBreeze Dentistry is a great option if you're looking for a dental practice that can help you with tooth sensitivity. Our friendly and professional staff is committed to providing you with the best care possible with a tailored approach to your specific needs and desires.
So, if you have tooth sensitivity or any other oral issues and want them fixed in the most convenient way possible by the most professional dentist available, SmileBreeze Dentistry is the place to go.
