Good and healthy teeth are required to chew our foods properly and have a great smile. Having a sensitive tooth among several other issues might be a hard time and uncomfortable causing discomfort while eating and doing other activities, especially at night while sleeping. For your concise here is a simple and detailed guide on tackling the issue of sensitive teeth with its causes and methods of treatment as well as a few remedies.
What are the Causes behind sensitive teeth?
Before any misconceptions let’s look into a few common and likely reasons behind the cause of Sensitive teeth. This ranges from various factors including:
- Tooth Decay: This is a common issue and could be faced by several people as they are vulnerable to it. Cavities tooth decay can make the inner layers of the tooth prone to sensitivity.
- Gum Recession: Diseases caused by gums or brushing aggressively reduce the gum’s grip on the teeth causing exposure to tooth roots and resulting in sensitivity of the teeth.
- Worn Tooth Enamel: Brushing too hard especially using a hard-bristled toothbrush might wear down the enamel of the tooth. This exposes the sensitive part of the tooth and makes it more sensitive.
Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth
Only a few symptoms yet easy to realise and spot these are the few signs of sensitive teeth.
One among these is the Sudden pain or discomfort caused while having a hot or cold food or drink. It might also apply to sweet or acidic foods and beverages.
The other symptom might be experiencing pain or sensitivity while flossing or brushing your teeth,
Home remedies for curing or preventing sensitive teeth.
These are the list of effective remedies to cure a sensitive tooth. If you don’t have sensitive teeth consider yourself lucky but following the tips and pieces of advice mentioned might prevent any sort of these issues in the future. These remedies are:
Use Desensitize Or Desensitizing Toothpaste
There are several toothpastes specifically designed for sensitive teeth. This blocks the nerve endings and reduces sensitivity after the use of it in a while. You can either get it yourself or consider the recommendation of a dentist.
Brush With A Soft-bristled Toothbrush
Preferring a softheaded or bristled toothbrush and gently brushing with it or your regular brush can prevent the damage caused to the enamel of your tooth.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Limiting the consumption of acidic foods like citrus fruits, soda or vinegar can keep your tooth safe to an extent as it lowers the working down of the enamel.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Rinse your whole mouth with a Fluoride mouthwash strengthening your enamel reduction sensitivity and keeping them safe from worn off.
Proper Dental Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day along with flossing and cleaning your tongue. This prevents the growth of germs and prevents tooth decay as well as gum disease.
Avoid Teeth grinding
Wear a mouth guard or any supportive gear to keep your teeth protected especially while sleeping at night to prevent grinding of the teeth which is likely to cause worn-out enamel.
Professional Treatments
Persistent issues or issues which isn’t fixed despite the efforts might be due to underlying issues and might need medical assistance for detailed and efficient treatments. Let us discuss a few of them
- Fluoride Treatment: In this treatment, dentists apply a substance called fluoride varnishes or gels. These are meant to strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Dental Bonding or Sealants: These are another substance or treatment that dentists use to cover exposed tooth roots. Like Fluride this reduces the sensitivity as well.
- Gum Grafting: The recision or reduction of gum as a result of several issues a gum graft surgery might be recommended in order to cover the roots of the tooth which are exposed and reduce sensitivity.
- Root Canal: This type of treatment is the most common when you experience tooth decay or issues that are severe and persistent. It might be necessary to tackle underlying issues and reduce the irritation or the sensitive feeling when you have a bad tooth.
When to see a Professional/Dentist?
Often asked when to visit a dentist as it is an option you can go for regular checkups or detailed review or treatment. Remember while you encounter an issue make sure to try the natural and homely remedies. In case it doesn’t work or the issue turns out to be severe and consistent, that’s when you are ready or supposed to seek a dentist. They recommend whether you require any serious treatment or suggest safety and treatment measures for a perfect healthy and strong tooth. Which might include using certain supplements or meds and even some gear for your healthy smile.
Conclusion
To sum up, dealing with sensitive teeth affects your activities like drinking, eating and even sleeping in some cases due to signs like pain or discomfort. It’s a huge disruption to daily life but not if you incorporate the right practices or remedies that promote your teeth’s strength and well-being. Practice proper oral hygiene eat good and healthy foods and brush your teeth with a desensitizing toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Remember to seek a dentist if these given remedies don’t work. Understand there are no results or miracles that happen overnight but the right approach and work will grant a positive effect. Balancing all these with professional options would guarantee good oral health and resolve several teeth-related issues in the long run.
References
- Orchardson R, Gillam DG. Managing dentin hypersensitivity. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137:990–998. [PubMed]
- Miglani S, Aggarwal V, Ahuja B. Dentin hypersensitivity: Recent trends in management. J Conserv Dent. 2010;13:218–224. [PMC free article]
