Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Tooth sensitivity is an excessive reaction to sensory stimulation that usually does not affect a normal, healthy tooth. Sensitivity in the teeth can differ from person to person; hence the treatments also vary for every patient. When you drink hot or cold drinks, the sense of pain in your teeth indicates that you have sensitive teeth. This pain can be annoying, and acute tooth pain can be a minor sensation to sharp, unbearable pain. It occurs due to damage to the enamel or cementum that protects the covering of the root. When this damage occurs, the roots of the teeth are exposed, thus causing sensitive teeth. You can get relief from this discomfort by visiting a dentist.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth Decay
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is tooth damage caused by enamel-eating bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that attack the tooth's surface. It could result in the tooth developing a cavity or small hole. Dental decay can result in discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Early tooth decay is usually asymptomatic. When tooth decay progresses, it can cause toothache (tooth pain) or sensitivity to sweets, heat, or cold.
Cracked Tooth
One tooth may be cracked if discomfort is experienced when chewing food or if teeth suddenly become sensitive to heat and cold. There are several symptoms of fractured teeth, including intermittent pain when chewing, possibly with the release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is subjected to extremely high temperatures. Anyone who thinks they may have a cracked tooth should schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately.
Hard Brushing
Brushing too vigorously or using an improper toothbrush can harm your teeth and gums, causing issues including enamel wear and receding gums, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Most people brush their teeth vigorously, believing that this is the only way to make them feel clean and appear whiter. But what happens is quite the opposite. Aggressive brushing of the teeth often results in the recession of the gums and the wearing down of enamel, leading to teeth appearing yellow and darker.
Receding of Gums
Receding gums describe the condition in which the gums pull away from the teeth, revealing the root below. The first symptom is usually more sensitive teeth, but you can also notice a tooth appearing longer than usual. Receding gums can be caused by various reasons, such as age, brushing too hard, or poor dental health.
Recent Dental Treatment
Sensitive teeth can be a temporary problem for those who undergo dental treatment like teeth whitening, root canal, filling, etc. Teeth sensitivity can occasionally go away on its own, mainly caused by a filling or root canal recently completed. Consult a dentist if your teeth are sensitive and the problem persists. You may have exposed tooth roots or eroded enamel. In these circumstances, treatment may be necessary to address the issue.
Consuming Acidic Foods
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by consuming many acidic foods and beverages, such as yogurt, fruit, tomatoes, sports drinks, and orange juice. Equal portions of both acidic and alkaline foods can help balance the acidity of these foods and maintain the health of your teeth
Too many high-acid foods can weaken your gum line and destroy your tooth enamel, exposing the inner layer of your teeth. The nerve center is more exposed when the inner layer of your tooth is revealed, which can cause severe tooth sensitivity.
Over Usage of Mouthwashes
Some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that might irritate your teeth, especially if your dentin is exposed, just like whitening toothpaste. You can try neuro fluoride mouthwashes for rinsing instead.
Symptoms of Teeth Sensitivity
If you're wondering if your teeth are getting overly sensitive, here are some warning signs to check for,
Sensitivity to changes in temperature
Reactions that are unpleasant to hot foods and drinks
Discomfort or pain from cold foods and beverages
Pain while flossing or brushing
Intolerance for sweet and acidic foods and beverages.
Treatments
Once the diagnosis has been made, we ought to think about treating it. The home remedies listed below can temporarily relieve sensitive tooth pain
Using a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
As said, aggressive brushing can cause damage to the enamel, resulting in sensitive teeth. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that doesn't cause any damage to your teeth when you brush.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
There is much toothpaste available in the market specially designed for sensitive teeth. Those kinds of toothpaste contain compounds that prevent the sensation. Consult your dentist, who will suggest the products according to your teeth' condition. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, desensitizing toothpaste, and good brushing techniques can help reduce sensitive teeth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
To maintain the health of one's teeth and gums,
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Regularly floss your teeth and visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Awareness of proper brushing technique.
Stay away from using tobacco products.
Diet
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by consuming many acidic foods and beverages, such as yogurt, fruit, tomatoes, sports drinks, and orange juice. Equal portions of both acidic and alkaline foods can help balance the acidity of these foods and maintain the health of your teeth. Too many high-acid foods can weaken your gum line and destroy your tooth enamel, exposing the inner layer of your teeth. The nerve center is more exposed when the inner layer of your tooth is revealed, which can cause severe tooth sensitivity.
When to Visit Your Dentist
These natural treatments might disappear tooth pain, but they won't treat the root of the problem. Make a dentist visit if your tooth sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks. They can evaluate what is causing your tooth sensitivity and suggest the best treatment to eliminate the discomfort.
Whatever treatment is given to you by the dentist, you should be responsible for taking proper care of your teeth to prevent further enamel erosion and frequent occurrence of sensitive teeth. Some simple steps can be considered and practiced daily, like using proper brushing techniques, avoiding fruits containing acids and sugar, brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.
If you are concerned about your tooth sensitivity or tooth discomfort, make sure to contact Sri Shakthi Dental Clinic in Coimbatore for the best dental advice and treatments. Have a beautiful smile, as always.