Have you ever had a toothache in the form of sensitivity to hot or cold foods? It can most probably be attributed to teeth sensitivity. The teeth may require a filling and crown at some time in your life and this may cause them to become sensitive because of the wear and tear which wears out the enamel of the teeth or exposure of the tooth root. It can cause sudden severe inflammation from something spicy such as soup or cold such as ice cream. They can occur in one tooth or can affect all your teeth and you may need to use the best toothpaste for sensitivity. Pain can be sometimes or can become a chronic problem depending on the state of your oral health. Sensitivity also points to other dental pathologies such as caries and various forms of gum disease. In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of teeth sensitivity, types of treatment, and how to prevent it.
Table of Contents
Teeth Sensitivity Causes
Sensitive teeth can happen to anyone and the usual culprit is enamel erosion. Many factors can erode your enamel, including:
- Age
Natural wear and tear can cause enamel erosion as you age and lead to sensitive teeth.
- Brushing too hard
A dentist may recommend you to use a soft toothbrush as hard toothbrushes and harsh brushing techniques can lead to enamel erosion and expose your dentin, making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity.
- Receding gums
When your gums start pulling back or wearing off, it can lead to receding gums. In this case, the layer of gums pulls off leaving your inner tooth layer exposed, making your teeth more prone to sensitivity. Your gums may also recede due to aggressive brushing or gum disease that may expose dentin and lead to sensitivity. If you have naturally thin gum tissue you may need to take extra care of your gums.
- Gum disease
Gum or periodontal disease can also make your teeth vulnerable to gum recession and bone loss around your teeth. A common type of gum disease known as gingivitis can cause swelling and bleeding in your gums.
- Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. It is another significant cause of enamel erosion and can cause teeth sensitivity. Many people grind their teeth unconsciously, especially while sleeping. This constant grinding can wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin underneath. In addition to causing sensitivity, bruxism can also lead to other dental issues such as cracked or chipped teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. If you grind your teeth, your dentist might suggest the use of mouthguards or stress management techniques to prevent further damage.
- Acidic foods
Acidic foods can also be a problem if you like to indulge in them and your teeth may become sensitive because of this. Orange and other citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and sodas are very acidic in nature and can destroy your enamel. If the enamel erodes, the uncovered dentin makes the teeth very sensitive. Although a certain degree of acidity is natural and even beneficial, excessive amounts of it are very damaging to the teeth and gums. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of acidic products and to rinse the mouth with water after consuming these products.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Different kinds of physical strains to the teeth such as cracks or chips can at times also lead to teeth sensitivity. When a tooth is cracked or chipped then the outer surface of the tooth, or enamel is exposed and the interior core, the dentin is revealed. The sensitivity of the crack depends on the depths of the crack and can lead to slight to severe pain. At times, a crack can progress right down to the pulp of the tooth and lead to conditions such as an abscess. Any cracks or chips are then advised to be treated by a dentist to avoid further deterioration of the condition and sensitivity.
- Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or cavities, is a major cause behind sensitive teeth. Cavities can form when bacteria in your mouth produce acid that erodes your enamel. These cavities reach the dentin with time. Once the dentin is exposed, the nerves inside the tooth are more likely to get irritated when you take hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress to the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to more severe pain and potential infection.
Teeth Sensitivity Treatment
There are several ways to treat sensitive teeth depending on the cause.
1. Using the right toothpaste
Some toothpaste contains ingredients, such as potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride, which can be highly beneficial in treating sensitive teeth as it helps stop the pain from reaching the nerve inside the tooth. Regular use of such toothpaste can lower sensitivity over time and help with the pain associated with it. If you are looking for the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth, Sensodyne Rapid Action can provide you with relief in seconds as it contains the necessary compounds to combat teeth sensitivity.
2. Night Guards
If your teeth are sensitive due to grinding, you can wear a night guard to prevent further damage. A night or mouth guard is a dental tool that your teeth structure and creates a barrier that absorbs the pressure and friction caused by grinding. It prevents further enamel destruction from grinding and reduces sensitivity by protecting the teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism. You can wear a night guard when you sleep as most people grind their teeth at night. Night guards are typically worn during sleep, as this is when grinding usually occurs.
3. Use a soft toothbrush
A soft toothbrush can be useful regardless of tooth sensitivity. It allows the brush to clean your teeth without removing the outer layer of your teeth or damaging your gums. Your gums can be delicate, and a dentist may recommend using a soft toothbrush to prevent further damage to your already sensitive teeth.
4. Fluoride treatment
Your doctor may recommend fluoride treatment that can help alleviate sensitivity in your teeth. In this treatment, your dentist will apply a high concentration of fluoride directly to the sensitive teeth. This helps make your enamel stronger, making it resistant to acid erosion and decay. It forms a protective barrier over your teeth and makes them less sensitive. It can help protect your teeth in the long run and prevent your teeth from becoming sensitive.
5. Gum grafts
If your gums are receding and making your teeth sensitive, gum grafting can help. It is a process in which your doctor may take out a part of your gum and cover your affected tooth area. Gum grafts can reform the protective gum layer over your teeth and make them less sensitive. It does not only cover sensitivity issues but also works on the makeover of the gums too. Healing is comparatively fast, and the effect tends to be lasting; both the functionality and appearance of the teeth are improved for patients with gum sensitivity.
6. Root canal
A root canal is usually done when your tooth decays or becomes infected. If the infection reaches the roots of your teeth, it can be painful and increase teeth sensitivity. This process involves removing the damaged layer inside your teeth and sealing it with a filling material. It helps eliminate pain and sensitivity and can provide lasting relief.
7. Oral hygiene
It is essential to emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene if you have sensitive teeth. This involves using a soft toothbrush to brush twice a day. Additionally, it is essential to use a toothpaste that caters to sensitivity and helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Using Sensodyne Rapid Action is one such product that not only alleviates sensitivity but also protects your gums and strengthens your teeth enamel to prevent sensitivity. Moreover, using a subtle mouthwash can also help remove plaque buildup and cavity formation to prevent teeth sensitivity.
Conclusion
Having sensitive teeth is pretty normal and can happen due to many reasons. It is a common problem in adults above a certain age as your enamel may erode due to regular wear and tear. You may also have sensitive teeth if you grind your teeth. Additionally, aggressive brushing techniques and using a hard brush can also damage the enamel of your teeth. Your gum health also plays a role and you are likely to have sensitive teeth if your gums are receding or you have a gum disease. Eating or drinking acidic food or beverages can also increase sensitivity sensation in your teeth due to enamel erosion. Damaged, chipped, or broken teeth can also lead to sensitivity.
Treating sensitive teeth depends on what is causing it. Generally, using a toothpaste suitable for alleviating sensitivity is one of the treatment options, in addition to using a soft bristle toothbrush. If your teeth are sensitive due to bruxism, you can use a mouth guard at night to prevent friction between the teeth and protect your enamel. Some dental procedures like root canals, fluoride treatment, or gum grafting may be necessary depending on the condition of your teeth. Furthermore, maintaining a successful oral routine can alleviate and prevent sensitivity. It can also help keep your teeth away from issues that may lead to sensitivity later.
