Tooth Sensitivity Prevention And Tackling With The Pain

 Tooth Sensitivity

Dentine Hypersensitivity/Sensitive Teeth/Tooth Sensitivity is a common problem affecting a large number of people. If you experience a stinging sensation while consuming hot, cold, acidic, sweet food, and beverages, you’re suffering from sensitive teeth. The pain usually does not last long, however, if it continues it may be a serious issue requiring diagnosis from the dentists.

Mechanism For Teeth Sensitivity

The dentin layer surrounding the nerve is covered and protected by the enamel in the tooth crown and surrounded by gums. If the protective layer gets thinner or gums recede, the dentin layer is exposed. The fluid in pores of the dentin layer is stimulated by a change in temperature or extreme hot/cold/acidic foods and irritates pulp nerves which are the main reason behind the occasional discomfort and stinging sensation.

Consuming acidic food and beverages, brushing too hard with abrasive toothpaste, or utilizing teeth whitening products lead to tooth sensitivity. Apart from that, tooth decay near the gum line, receding gums, periodontal disease, cracked teeth, teeth grinding, and recent dental treatments may also be the cause of sensitive teeth.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity such as:

• Toothpaste damage or using abrasive toothbrush and brushing too hard, thereby exposing the inner layer of the tooth called dentin that causes the pain.
• Tooth decay, especially in close proximity to the gum line.
• Receding gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases, exposing the root surface of teeth.
• Cracked teeth containing plaque.
• Teeth grinding that exposes the underlying dentin layer.
• Age (25 to 30 years) and using teeth whitening products.
• Recent dental treatments.
• Consumption of acidic foods.

 

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity

For minimized tooth sensitivity, dentists recommend the use of desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, and special desensitizing agents‚ to control the pain. If these don’t work, treatments such as fillings, inlays, crowns, etc. are the next options.

If tooth sensitivity is caused due to gum recession, a surgical gum graft is the best solution. For severe hypersensitivity, dentists recommend root canal treatment to resolve the problem.

Treatments vary, depending upon the level of damage caused by sensitivity. However, dentists plan and recommend different measures and solutions after a thorough diagnosis of the present conditions like:

• Painting fluoride gels, rinses, etc. on the affected area.
• Providing a suitable mouth guard in case of teeth grinding.
• Covering the exposed dentin layer through sealants and fillings.
• Using the best toothpaste and toothbrush intended for sensitive teeth.
• Avoiding hard or forceful brushing.

Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity

It’s better to implement simple preventive measures to minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity.

Brushing gently with a softer toothbrush relieves from the painful sensitive teeth. Sensitivity toothpaste recommended by your dentist and avoiding acidic foods also helps to minimize the pain.

Grinding teeth, which is also a cause of tooth sensitivity, can be avoided to a great extent by using mouth guards at night.

Apart from that, maintaining good oral hygiene helps individuals to fight against tooth sensitivity. Visit to the dentist on a regular basis helps to prevent various teeth and gum problems including the problem of sensitive teeth.

The painful situation of sensitivity can be avoided by following several precautionary steps and measures as given below:

• Avoid consumption of acidic food and beverages like vinegar, pickles, lemons, citrus drinks, etc. and also not brushing after consuming acidic products.
• Avoid using smokeless tobacco.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste, soft or ultrasoft bristled toothbrush, and fluoridated mouthwash.
• Make regular visits to dentists for routine dental check-ups.

Whatever be the cause and level of tooth sensitivity, the professionals are there to help out and offer the best treatments to reduce the painful situation. However, by adopting preventive measures, one can easily stay away from tooth sensitivity to a great extent.

Conclusion

Sensitivity is simply a painful sensation in teeth, especially while consuming extremely hot or cold, sweet or sour food items/beverages or while brushing teeth or after tooth cleaning session by the dentists.

This situation not only creates a feeling of discomfort among concerned individuals but also affects their daily eating habits and oral hygiene.

A wide variety of toothpastes are available in the market to treat sensitive teeth. Apart from that, high fluoride mouthwashes also give relief from sensitivity. However, it’s better to consult with the experts before adopting any measures to get rid of tooth sensitivity/dentin hypersensitivity.

The next time you feel pain while tasting your favorite ice-creams or having a sip of coffee/tea, consult with the experts to know the cause of tooth sensitivity and measures to get relief from the painful situation and to enjoy your favorite food and beverages.

The experts, after diagnosis of sensitive teeth, offer in-office treatments or take-home products for daily use, whichever is more suitable as per the present condition of teeth. Sensitivity is mostly seen in individuals undergoing through the process of teeth whitening/bleaching and thus, you should always consult with an expert to know about side effects prior to undergoing through such cosmetic dental procedures.

Even children can have sensitive teeth due to cavities, cracked/broken teeth, etc. but the type of tooth sensitivity differs from the one occurring in adults. Dentists can best diagnose the painful conditions of tooth sensitivity and thus, you need to get in touch with the experts and consult with them whenever the first instance of sensitivity appears.

Dantkriti Dental offers highly qualified, skilled, and commended doctors, the latest technology equipments, best dental practices, and much more at a globally acceptable cost of treatment. The best dental clinic in Gurgaon has been established by Dr. Shefali Gupta and Dr. Himanshu Gupta with the vision ‘Prevention and not just Cure’. From children to grandparents, Dantkriti experts bring in the best dental consultation and treatments to one and all.