Did you experience pain or discomfort after eating a scoop of hot soup or a piece of ice cream? If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Pain from hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, but it’s also prevalent in people with sensitive teeth.
Dental sensitivity is also known as “dentin hypersensitivity”. It is a condition in which the teeth experience pain or discomfort. This can be a momentary or long-term issue, and it can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all of a person’s teeth.
It could be the result of several circumstances. Most cases of sensitive teeth can indeed be fixed with a simple change in your oral hygiene habits.
What causes teeth to be sensitive?
Because their enamel is thinner, some people have more sensitive teeth than others. Enamel is the tooth’s protective outer layer. The enamel on a tooth can be worn down in several ways, including:
toothbrushing excessively
Brushing your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down tooth enamel. This is the tooth’s outer layer, which serves to protect the inner layer. Worn tooth enamel can reveal the dentin layer. And remember, this is the second layer of your teeth and contains nerve endings.
nighttime tooth grinding
While sleeping, grinding your teeth can wear away tooth enamel and reveal dentin. If left untreated, teeth grinding can cause sensitivity to cold drinks and meals.
regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages
Acidic meals can erode tooth enamel and expose nerve endings. Mouth nerves can be irritated by irritating liquids or meals. You may get intense, intermittent discomfort as a result of this.
Tooth sensitivity can be brought on by several things
Gum recession can expose unprotected parts of the tooth, resulting in insensitivity. Tooth decay, broken teeth, chipped teeth, and worn-down fillings or crowns can expose the tooth’s dentin. These can cause tooth sensitivity.
If this is the case, you will most likely only have sensitivity in one tooth or region of the mouth. Sensitivity will be limited to one tooth or the teeth surrounding the tooth that got dental work.
What is the treatment for tooth sensitivity?
If your tooth sensitivity is modest, you can attempt over-the-counter dental solutions. Select toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpaste will not have any irritating components. It contains desensitizing compounds that help prevent pain from reaching the tooth’s nerve.
When it comes to mouthwash, alcohol-free mouthwash is preferred. It is less irritating to sensitive teeth. Brushing more and with softer toothbrushes can also help. Soft toothbrushes will be marked. These cures usually need many applications to be effective. Within a week, you should see a difference.
If non-prescription toothpaste and mouthwash don’t work, talk to your dentist about it. Fluoride gel applied in the office or prescription-strength desensitizing medicines can also be used. Strengthening the enamel can assist in protecting your teeth.
Treatments for sensitive teeth
You don’t have to suffer from cold sensitivity. There are several options for eliminating sensitivity. Treatment is determined by the reason for the sensitivity, which is why you should consult your dentist and have a dental examination. The following treatments may be used to ease pain and sensitivity:
dietary modifications
Tooth sensitivity may also require dietary adjustments due to fluoride treatments. This includes avoiding acidic meals, which can cause tooth enamel to deteriorate.
treatment with fluoride
Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to improve your tooth enamel. You may also be offered a prescription fluoride paste and a fluoride rinse.
wearing a mouthguard
Teeth grinding while sleeping results in headaches, earaches, and a stiff jaw. Consult your doctor to determine whether a mouth guard is required. Your teeth are protected by a mouth guard from smashing and grinding. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments or a fluoride paste if your enamel is worn down. These things can help your teeth stay strong and white.
Brushing techniques that are better for you
Cold sensitivity can also be reduced by changing the way you clean your teeth. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a hard-bristled toothbrush, and don’t brush too hard. Brush gently and with a variety of motions. Brushing too hard can cause a little bleeding during brushing.
treatment with fluoride
Your dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment to improve your tooth enamel. A prescription fluoride paste and a fluoride rinse may also be given to you.
dental Services
Many dental procedures can also help to lessen tooth sensitivity. To reduce your agony, your dentist may apply a special resin to cover sensitive, exposed dentin. Especially if you have exposed nerve endings. A surgical gum transplant can also be used to conceal or hide exposed roots. Especially if you have gingivitis or gum recession. Gum grafts work by transplanting gum tissue to ease the pain. Filling a cavity or conducting a root canal is also a great move. It can help remove tooth decay or infection, which can relieve your teeth’s sensitivity.
Bottom Line
Cold sensitivity can be eliminated with treatment. To do so, you should speak with your dentist to determine the source of the problem. Keep in mind that if you don’t change your dental habits, your tooth sensitivity may return.
If tooth sensitivity is making it difficult for you to eat, speak with your dentist about a treatment plan. Over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwashes for sensitive teeth are available. Consult your dentist about prescription toothpaste and mouthwash if these don’t work.
If you have signs of cavities or probable root damage, schedule an appointment with your dentist. You should do that as soon as possible. So that you can get treatment and avoid more complicated consequences. And most importantly, continue to maintain good dental hygiene to avoid future issues.