TEETH SENSITIVITY: CAUSES AND CURE – ELITE DENTAL CARE TRACY

Remember the times when you experienced a sudden pain in the tooth while drinking hot coffee or a cold drink? Do you experience pain while having a particularly sweet or sour food? This discomfort could be the sign of teeth sensitivity.

What is teeth sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity or dental hypersensitivity is a sudden dental pain of sharp intensity lasting for a short period that can occur anytime while drinking hot or cold liquids or chewing on a hard substance or while brushing.

What are the causes of teeth sensitivity?
The primary causes of tooth sensitivity are

1. Erosion of the Enamel
A layer of enamel protects the crown of the teeth and the layer cementum. These layers secure the root of the teeth. Underneath the enamel, there is dentin which is composed of microscopic tubules or canals. When the acidic content in the mouth wears away the enamel, the tubules in the dentin allow the hot and cold foods, acids to reach the inner nerves and cells inside the tooth. This, in turn, decays the root of the tooth leading to the extraction of the tooth.
The prime causes that lead to the wearing of enamel are
• Consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages
• Consumption of sugary foods
• Grinding of teeth

2. Exposure to Extreme Hot and Cold Temperatures
When the tooth dentin is exposed, due to enamel erosion, the hot and cold foodstuff reaches the nerves and stimulate them, causing sudden pain.

3. Tooth Decay
Cavities in the tooth lead to the accumulation of bacteria in the internal parts of the tooth damaging the roots. When the decay becomes severe, sudden flashes of pain occur.

4. Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene and improper brushing leads to the plaque buildup and gradually causes gingivitis. Gum diseases do not cause much pain and are not easily noticeable. Gingivitis prolonged longer leads to further severe gum disease, periodontitis.

5. Cracked Tooth
Cracked or chipped tooth also leads to pain while consuming food, causing sensitivity.

6. Grinding of Teeth
A person suffering from Bruxism grinds his/her teeth at night, or in the subconscious state which exerts pressure on teeth and wears away the enamel. Clenching of jaws also incurs much pain.

7. Recovery from Dental Procedures
When your teeth undergo a dental procedure, namely root canal treatment or professional cleaning or extraction of a tooth, you may experience pain or sensitivity in the treated tooth due to the dental procedures.

TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE TEETH

Sudden flashes of toothache and teeth sensitivity can disturb a person mentally. Toothache also leads to earache and headache as nerves are connected internally, thereby, hurting mental peace. It is essential to treat the sensitive teeth at the earliest.

1. Using Desensitizing Toothpaste
Desensitizing toothpaste consists of a compound potassium nitrate that blocks the tooth nerves from the irritants. Continuous use of this toothpaste will reduce the sensitivity, and it is also advised to use a soft bristle toothbrush that does not hurt the teeth or the gums. Brush your mouth gently and do not exert much pressure on the teeth.

2. Rinse with Salt Water
Salt mixed in lukewarm water can be used to rinse the mouth as it helps reduce the inflammation and alleviate the pain. Gargle your mouth using the saltwater twice every day for better results.

3. Replace your Mouthwash
Some mouthwashes add to the sensitivity of your teeth. Replace such mouthwashes with the ones that are alcohol-free and do not cause sensitivity.

4. Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist may apply a layer of fluoride on the sensitive areas of the tooth to strengthen the enamel and reduce the pain. Consume fluoride-rich foods like spinach, grapes, raisins, black tea, etc.

5. Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages
Acidic foods and beverages will increase the pain as they attack the enamel. Replace these foods with dairy products like yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that keep your mouth moist and fight the incoming bacteria.

6. Surgical Gum Graft
If your tooth root has lost the gum tissue, surgical gum grafting is done. A portion of healthy gum tissue from a healthy portion of the gums is taken and attached to the affected place. It will reduce the pain and sensitivity.

7. Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw regularly, visit the Elite Dental Care and get the mouth guards that safeguard your teeth from the aftermaths of grinding.

8. Root Canal Treatment
When all other treatments prove ineffective due to the severity of the pain and damage, dentists resort to root canal treatment. This is one of the trusted methods to alleviate teeth sensitivity.

At Elite Dental Care, we offer the best in care solutions for teeth sensitivity in a short span of time. Along with the above-mentioned treatment procedures, it is also necessary that you must follow strict oral hygiene to stay away from tooth sensitivity and decay.

Best Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity – Elite Dental Care Tracy