Teeth sensitivity is a condition that causes a short-lived, sharp pain in some people which they experience when they encounter certain substances and temperatures. Some of the common triggers that set off this pain include:
• Cold food and beverages
• Hot food and beverages
• Sweet food and beverages
• Acidic food and beverages
• Alcohol-based mouthwashes
• Brushing or flossing teeth
• Cold air
Teeth sensitivity is caused when the nerve endings in the teeth are exposed to these triggers. One of the most common causes of this is when the enamel is worn down. The enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth. If this is damaged, it can expose the inner layer of the teeth- the dentin. The dentin has small hollow tubes through which the food can reach the nerve endings and cause hypersensitivity. Receding gums can also lead to dentin to be exposed, leading to teeth sensitivity. Some other conditions that can cause the nerve endings to be exposed involve:
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Gum disease
• Cavities and tooth decay
• Damage in tooth fillings
• Exposed tooth root
People often deal with teeth sensitivity by avoiding the food and conditions that trigger sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity is a condition that can be easily managed with the right measures. Treatment is recommended depending on what circumstances have caused your teeth sensitivity. If you suffer from sensitivity, you should get a consultation with a dentist. Depending on your conditions, the treatments you may be suggested involve:
• Fluoride: To strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain, the dentist may apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of the teeth.
• Desensitizing toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block the pain associated with sensitive teeth. It would need several applications.
• Special gum graft: If the cause for sensitivity is lost gum tissue, then gum grafts are a possible solution. A small amount of gum tissue is taken from the mouth and attached to the affected site, which can protect the exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
• Desensitizing or bonding: Applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces can sometimes help with the sensitivity of exposed root surfaces.
• Root canal treatment: If the teeth sensitivity causes severe pain, and other treatments are not effective, the dentist might recommend root canal treatment. This treatment is considered to be the most successful for eliminating tooth sensitivity.
These are some of the treatments that your dentist might recommend when you head in for a consult at your dental center regarding teeth sensitivity. Some additional measures that you take can also help in dealing with sensitive teeth. The main thing is to have good oral hygiene. Keeping teeth and gums clean can contribute greatly to keeping them healthy. Other tips to keep sensitivity from recurring include:
• Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
• Using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Using soft-bristled toothbrushes.
• Using a mouth guard- if you grind your teeth in your sleep, using a tooth guard can protect them from further damage. Teeth can be cracked from tooth grinding.
• Using straws when drinking acidic drinks can limit the contact made with the teeth and reduce the damage made to the enamel.
• After drinking or eating acidic foods, drinking water can help maintain the acid levels in the mouth and help protect your teeth.
• Teeth bleaching can sometimes cause sensitivity. Consult your dentist if your sensitivity persists and get appropriate action.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, get a consultation from a dentist to figure out the underlying cause, and get the necessary treatment. At Naseem al Rabeeh, we have a team of highly–skilled dentists who can offer you the best treatment. Head over to our dental center and get started on fixing your sensitive teeth.
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