Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that most of us encounter. You came to the right place if you have been asking yourself, “Why are my teeth so sensitive?”. You see, many factors affect tooth sensitivity and we will discuss these things later on. Randwick Smiles clinic claims that this can be prevented with oral care and proper dental hygiene.
Tooth Sensitivity
The striking pain and the terrible feeling of pain in the teeth, when triggered by certain substances, is what we call tooth sensitivity. According to some patients, the pain starts at the upper part of the gums and gradually spreads throughout the internal parts of it. This occurs shortly but could establish extreme agony.
Reasons Why Your Teeth Are Sensitive
Why tooth sensitivity takes place depends on various things. Your environment, daily lifestyle, eating habits, and many more can affect your teeth’ reaction. It does not discriminate and this incident can happen to anyone, children, adolescents, and adults.
The root cause of having a sensitive tooth, however, is because the tooth is starting to get weak and its enamel (the outer layer) is slowly fading. Leaving a tiny or large opening which exposes the dentin. Gum recession, chipped or cracked tooth, and tooth erosion can all cause the exposure of the dentin. When the dentin gets exposed, the nerve that it’s connected to will send pain sensation, hence, leading to tooth sensitivity.
But to be more specific, let us find out what causes tooth sensitivity:
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your gums which may result in bleeding. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead to avoid damaging the enamel causing gum recession and dentin exposure.
- Tooth sensitivity occurs due to gum recession, avoid things that will promote receding gum lines.
- Having a sensitive tooth could also indicate that you are possibly suffering from periodontal diseases.
- A cracked tooth is one of the main reasons why your teeth may be sensitive. Bacteria and plaque will eventually start to build upon the opening of the cracked teeth and may cause harm to the roots and gums.
- Teeth clenching also results in a sensitive tooth. This habit can cause serious damages to the enamel.
- Build up of tartar and plaque.
- Using mouthwashes that are rich in acid. Acids can trigger the per-existing tooth sensitivity and may even worsen the striking pain that you are already feeling.
- Consuming foods that are full of acids contributes to the destruction of the tooth enamel.
- Tooth sensitivity also emerges after some dental procedures. Root canal, dental crowns, tooth restoration, and professional dental cleaning are some of the dental treatments that can cause a sensitive tooth. But do not worry because this does not usually last for a long time.
- Cold, hot, and sweet foods and beverages are the usual triggers of tooth pain. Eating cold food abruptly often starts the striking pain which can be unbearable sometimes.
How To Treat Sensitive Teeth
If tooth sensitivity occurs frequently, it would be best to visit your dentist right away. This way, the occurrence of potentially emerging periodontal disease will be prevented.
On your initial appointment, the dentist will determine the health condition of your entire mouth. Cavities, tartar, plaque build-up, cracked tooth are some of the few things that they will be examining. For a more accurate result, your dentist will ask you to undergo dental x-rays as well. By doing this, it will be easier to figure out the root cause of tooth sensitivity.
Mild Tooth Sensitivity
If tooth sensitivity is deemed mild and not related to any periodontal disease, the dentist will only prescribe you pain relief medicines that can be bought over the counter.
You will also be advised to take precautionary matters to lessen the pain and prevent the sensitivity from happening again. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is a good way to start your new oral hygiene regimen. This product is more gentle on the enamel and does not damage the gums.
Choose the products that you will use wisely. Certain types of toothpaste and mouth rinse that are specifically formulated for people with tooth sensitivity. Apart from its non-irritating contents, these oral care products can also block the feeling of pain caused by tooth sensitivity.
Home remedies have also been proven effective in fighting sensitive teeth. Saltwater rinse, for example, a natural antiseptic without any harmful chemicals can reduce pain and discomfort. To use this method, put 1/2 tsp of salt in warm water and gargle the solution for 30 seconds twice a day.
Honey is an antibacterial natural home remedy for tooth sensitivity. It is effective in minimizing pain making it a good alternative for managing wounds. Just mix a spoonful of honey with warm water and gargle the fluid.
Turmeric is commonly used as a cooking ingredient. But did you know that this plant has anti-inflammatory components that can heal and cleanse wounds? Turmeric can be bought in local stores and are often in powder form. Directly apply it on the sensitive teeth including the gums.
Tooth Sensitivity Due To Periodontal Conditions
If your sensitive tooth is caused by serious medical conditions, your dentist might conduct several examinations and tests.
To prevent this from happening, the following treatments will come about:
Professional dental cleaning. This will be done to remove the plaque build-up around the infected tooth. Regular dental cleaning is an important part of dental hygiene. As a matter of fact, dentists advise a twice a year cleaning for healthier teeth and gums.
Root Planing. The procedure will conclude by making the root surface smooth. This will prevent the further build-up of tartar, hence, decreasing the chance of gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
For severe cases, surgical treatments will most likely be in the picture. Flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, tooth extraction, or tissue regeneration are some of the few common dental surgeries that you might go through.
Tooth sensitivity can be prevented with proper oral care and dental hygiene. Most people often neglect the health of their mouth making the periodontal disease a worldwide health issue.
Regular brushing of teeth, flossing, using a mouth rinse, and regular dental check-up could go a long way. Your teeth will eventually thank you for taking care of it.
