Sensitive teeth can be an annoying and uncomfortable problem for many people; sensitivity can range from slight twinges in teeth to serious discomfort and can last anytime between a few seconds and a few hours. Sensitivity is usually caused my minor problems but can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious dental problem.
Sensitivity can be caused by a variety of things but is usually due to the hard, protective enamel which covers the tooth being worn away. Without the enamel covering the tooth fully, the soft dentine underneath can be exposed which causes sensitivity problems to arise. Commonly, the area where the tooth meets the gum line is the place where most sensitivity issues occur; this is due to the layer of enamel being thinner at the bottom of teeth. Brushing too hard, the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, cracked teeth and tooth grinding are all typical causes of enamel wear and exposed dentine. Apart from this, sensitive teeth can also be caused by exposure of the tooth’s roots. If a patient has receding gums for example, the root of the tooth, which is not protected by a hard layer of enamel, can be exposed causing discomfort or pain. A common cause of receding gums is gum disease which, due to a build-up of plaque, causes small ‘pockets’ to appear around teeth which expose the roots. One other cause of sensitive teeth is cosmetic tooth whitening; this can sometimes cause patients mild discomfort, often in the form of mild twinges that should stop after treatment is completed.
As most sensitivity is caused by dentine becoming exposed, it is important to look after the enamel covering the teeth. If enamel erosion is being caused by brushing, brushing your teeth with a soft or medium bristled brush may help. Alternatively, brushing with warm water will soften the bristles and help prevent them from damaging the enamel as will brushing in small circles rather than brushing directly across the teeth. If the cause of sensitivity is due to acidic erosion of the enamel, more care should be taken regarding the amounts of sugary and acidic foods or drinks being consumed. It is never a good idea to eat too much of these types of foods and brushing your teeth after enjoying sweets and other such acidic/sugary foods will help prevent acid erosion. If the enamel is being worn away due to the grinding of teeth, dentists can recommend and provide things such as mouth guards which protect your teeth by stopping them grinding together during sleep. This will stop the enamel being worn away and will significantly lower the risk of developing a sensitivity issue.
Sensitivity is mostly experienced when eating or drinking something very hot or very cold. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can also bring about discomfort. Pain can flare up quickly and disappear equally as fast and can be stronger or milder at different occasions. To help avoid sensitivity it may be best to stay away from certain types of foods such as ice cream until the condition improves. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can often help greatly but can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to start working fully. If the condition is more serious and does not go away simply through using sensitive toothpaste, a trip to the dentist may be necessary. Dentists can carry out a range of procedures to help people with sensitive teeth including applying de-sensitising products, filling gaps in the gums to prevent root sensitivity and using fluoride varnishes to cover sensitive areas to give more protection. The dentist will quickly be able to work out the reasons why there is sensitivity and will be able to recommend and carry out the appropriate treatment. The best way to avoid suffering from sensitive teeth is to look after them! Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a good toothpaste brand, limit the intake of sugary and acid foods and drinks and make sure you visit your dentist as regularly as they recommend.
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