Have you ever taken a sip of hot coffee or savoured an ice cream and felt a sudden jolt of pain in your teeth? You may likely have sensitive teeth. While it is common and treatable, understanding tooth sensitivity, its symptoms and causes, and preventive measures is essential.
Teeth sensitivity can occur when you consume hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. Pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings.
Proper oral hygiene and a daily routine that includes brushing and flossing is the key to preventing tooth sensitivity and pain.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth can be caused by any of the following:
- Tooth decay
- A worn or broken tooth filling
- Brushing too hard
- Gum recession
- Deteriorating or worn tooth enamel
- Teeth grinding or clinching habits
- Fractured teeth
- Gum disease
- Age ( age between 25 and 30)
- Acidic foods
- An exposed tooth root surface
- Excessive or improper teeth whitening
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth:
Treatment for sensitive teeth may include the following:
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Desensitizing toothpaste blocks the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, reducing tooth sensitivity
- Fluoride gel: Applied during a dental visit, fluoride gel strengthens tooth enamel, which can reduce the transmission of sensations
- Dental crowns, inlays or bonding: These can be used to repair a flaw in your tooth that’s causing the painful sensitivity
- Surgical tissue graft: If you’ve lost gum tissue from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal therapy: If you experience persistent tooth pain that’s not simply caused by hot or cold food, you may need a root canal
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums.
- Watch what you eat: Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
- Avoid teeth grinding: If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
By Rochelle Sequeira ( ward no 16)