All of us can and will experience sensitive teeth at some point in our lives. It can often be very mild, however, when sensitive teeth cause prolonged serious discomfort it can trigger serious anxiety and stress, and lead to much more serious dental problems. If you experience any problem with sensitive teeth, it is important to consult a dentist immediately.
Sensitivity in the teeth happens when there is damage to a tooth’s dentin layer, meaning that nerve tissue is exposed and becomes much more sensitive to things such as temperature. The dentin layer is protected by an outer layer of enamel, which is resistant to physical impact and is very hard. However, enamel can still weaken over time, meaning that the sensitive dentin becomes exposed.
Sensitive teeth can lead to a wide range of issues, including difficulty eating or brushing teeth, as well as the stress and anxiety caused by the pain and sensitivity.
What are the Causes of Sensitive Teeth?
Here are some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth:
→ A diet based on overly acidic food and drink,
→ Consuming hot and cold food at the same time,
→ Poor brushing and flossing habits,
→ Pre-existing tooth and gum problems,
→ Cavities and tooth decay,
→ Formation of bacteria-containing tartar and plaque,
→ Abrasion of tooth enamel,
→ Physical damage and fractures on the teeth,
→ Badly-performed fillings
→ Habitual teeth grinding, e.g. during sleep,
→ Using teeth whitening products,
→ Using a hard toothbrush,
→ Using a mouthwash that contains acid.
How Can Sensitive Teeth be Treated?
If you are experiencing problems with sensitive teeth, the first step is to consult a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to diagnose the root cause of the tooth sensitivity and come up with a plan to treat the problem and prevent it from happening again. In this way, each treatment will be specific to the individual patient.
A dentist will also be able to give advice on the following:
→ Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums
→ How to brush teeth in the right way
→ Which food and drink to avoid (ones that damage tooth enamel!)
→ Other oral and dental care tips
How Can I Stop Teeth from Becoming Sensitive in the First Place?
In order to prevent tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for routine check-ups. This means that problems can be caught early, and any bad habits can be advised against and changed before they lead to sensitive teeth or other more serious problems.
Here are some other top tips to follow to avoid sensitive teeth:
→ Regular and correct brushing
→ When making a nutrition plan, always consult a dentist as well as a dietitian.
→ Hot and cold food or drinks should be prepared as recommended, avoiding extreme temperatures
→ Make sure you are using the right toothpaste and brush.
→ Regular flossing and use of mouthwash
→ Always take immediate action and consult a dentist if you notice problems such as cavities, toothache, tooth damage or teeth grinding
