Do you feel discomfort when drinking cold beverages or making a sip of hot coffee? Or, maybe, you feel pain when you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. In healthy teeth, enamel layer protects your teeth above the gum, while a layer called cementum protects tooth roots under the gum line. Underneath enamel and cementum layer is dentin. Dentin is made of small canals which in case of weak enamel or exposed roots, allow cold and heat to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. The result is tooth sensitivity, a very common dental problem.
But sensitive teeth can be treated. Below, we list the main causes why you
could experience tooth sensitivity and several steps you can take to find
necessary treatment and relief.
Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Happen?
Tooth
Decay
Cavities and fractured teeth create a perfect area for
bacteria accumulation and acid build-up. Acids, produced by bacteria, destroy
tooth enamel and expose the layer of dentin, making you feel pain when biting
or drinking hot/cold beverages. Removing decay and placing a new filling or a
crown will make you free of any discomfort and pain.
Worn
Fillings
When fillings become worn out or broken patients
usually experience increased tooth sensitivity. This problem can easily be
treated by replacing a filling with a new one.
Cracked
Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth may cause tooth
sensitivity. Cracked teeth are not easily visible and may not even be shown on
X-rays. However, the most common symptom of a cracked tooth is a sharp pain
when biting down. When cracks affect the tooth pulp, a root canal treatment may
be recommended before placing a crown. In the worst case scenario, when a crack
spreads below the gum line into the root, a tooth needs to be removed
Tooth
Enamel Erosion
The products you eat and drink as well as your
genetics and daily oral habits effect enamel strength. Acidic foods, caffeine,
night grinding are only some causes of worn-out tooth enamel. It is easy to
identify enamel erosion: weakened teeth become discoloured, very tender to hot
and cold and susceptible to chipping or breakage. As soon as you notice that
your teeth don’t look or feel all right, address the issue to your dentist.
Exposed
Tooth Roots
Gum recession leads to tooth roots exposure, resulting
in extra-sensitivity to hold and cold. The most common reasons of gum recession
and exposed roots include: age, injuries to the mouth and gums, advanced
periodontal diseases, smoking, teeth grinding.
Aggressive
Brushing
Sometimes tooth sensitivity occurs because of too much
force applying when brushing, especially with hard-bristled toothbrush. Over
some time, aggressive brushing wears down the protective tooth layers, exposing
your tooth roots. Worn-out enamel makes your teeth sensitive to extreme
temperatures, acid or sticky foods, resulting in discomfort and pain.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Tips
· Correct
Brushing techniques and use of Desensitizing toothpastes when required
· Limit
intake of extremely acidic and sugary foods and have a diet rich in vitamins and
minerals
· Brush
twice daily and rinse after every meal
· Get
tooth cavities and decays treated timely
· Visit
your dentist every 6 months to follow up on old fillings and crowns
· Fluoride
or anti-sensitivity gels as advised by your dentist
To book an appointment with us
Call us at: +912240147049/ 09321330133
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com
