Does Sensitivity Go Away?
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1 September 2022

Does Sensitivity Go Away?

Yes. Sensitivity does go away. The process might take time based on the reasons behind it, but it is definitely curable. There are many reasons why sensitivity happens and it might lead to many other dental issues.  

 

What is Sensitivity? 

 

Sensitivity is a sharp pain in the teeth that is caused as a response to stimuli when the enamel coating on the teeth gets eroded and the underlying layer called the dentin gets exposed. This generally happens when the food consumed is either too hot, cold, sweet, or sour. The nerve beneath the tooth gets in contact with these foods and responds with this pain.  

 

This sharp pain is also caused after a dental treatment like scaling, root canal, or even just after cement filling. This pain subsides after a few days of this treatment. But the sensitivity and the pain that is caused due to erosion of the enamel coating on the teeth might call for a dentist consultation and a full-fledged treatment sometimes.  

 

Causes of Sensitivity 

 

  1. Hard Brushing: Dentists suggest brushing for two minutes twice a day for better maintenance of the dental health. However, people who overbrush their teeth might end up removing the upper layer of enamel on their teeth. Thus overbrushing and using toothbrushes that have hard bristles can actually be counterproductive to overall health of teeth.
  2. Gum Diseases: Unhealthy gum that recedes brings the nerves in contact with food and other dental products. The inflamed and sore gums cause a lot of pain and discomfort for the teeth. Thus good gums are important to maintain the health of the teeth. 
  3. Teeth whitening products: The market is aplenty with teeth whitening products and services. The products and chemicals in those products are harsh and cause erosion of enamel coating. Many people use this product to whiten their teeth and have a sparkling smile. The dentist can suggest better treatments for whitening, especially for people with sensitivity. 
  4. Mouthwash: Some mouthwashes available on the market contain harsh chemicals which can erode the coating and cause sharp pain. These products worsen the situation for people who are already suffering from sensitivity. Hence, a dentist-prescribed mouthwash is a better bet for people with sensitive teeth. 
  5. Dental treatments: Sensitivity happens after a dental treatment like scaling or cleaning. Of all the treatments this is the most common one after which sharp pain in the teeth is experienced. This reduces over time and is not a very serious concern. 

 

What is the Cure for Sensitivity? 

 

Sensitivity can be definitely cured. Depending upon the nature of the pain or the reason behind the sensitivity, dentists suggest many different procedures or treatments reduce it. Hence, a regular sharp pain in the teeth calls for a dentist appointment. Here are some ways that can be done. 

 

  1. Desensitising Toothpaste: After proper diagnosis, dentists sometimes suggest using a desensitising toothpaste to tackle the pain. These kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride in them and help in building the enamel coating on the teeth. 
  2. Fluoride: Sometimes dentists might directly apply a coat of fluoride on your sensitive teeth to protect them from further damage and to reduce the pain.
  3. Gum Grafting: This is a surgical treatment that a dentist prescribes when there is a considerable loss of gum tissue. Since the absence of it might expose the nerve beath the teeth, grafting it by removing tissue from elsewhere can help in building strength and avoiding exposure of the nerves. 

 

Wrap Up! 

 

Apart from all these methods, there are small everyday habits that can ensure strong teeth and lesser chances of sensitivity. Some are, using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods, using a toothbrush with soft bristles, and avoiding grinding teeth during sleep. 

 

Thus, consulting a good dentist and following the procedures prescribed can cure sensitivity.