Tooth sensitivity is a popular dental problem which is related to sharp, instant pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to some stimuli such as cold drinks, hot foods, sweet sweets or even passing cold air. It is reported that millions of people feel sensitivity in their teeth every day. Some research studies indicate that more than forty percent of all adults at one time in their life will experience tooth sensitivity. Bel Air MD Dentist provides comprehensive dental solutions to treat tooth sensitivity.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Dentin hypersensitivity or tooth sensitivity is a condition that happens as the protective covering on your teeth including enamel and the gums get enameled or eroded. This exposure exposes stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet or acidic to the inner lining of the tooth known as the dentin where there are minute nerve pathways. Exposure to these nerves responds in the form of quick, abrupt sensations of pain or unease. Bel Air MD Dentist offers a team of experienced dentists who provide customized dental treatments.
Symptoms
The sensitivity to the tooth is mostly manifested as a short-lived and sharp pain that is aroused by:
- Drinking or eating hot foods and beverages or cold one
- Eating sugary or sour foods such as lemons and soft drinks
How It Differs from Other Dental Pain
Tooth sensitivity pain is normally instant and only happens when teeth react to certain agents unlike when they experience persistent pain due to cavities or infections. It does not lead to constant pounding or inflammation. But sensitivity may also indicate more serious dental problems and this is why one should be careful about its type and intensity.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
There are many causes of tooth sensitivity.Dentin is revealed or the nerves within the tooth irritated. By becoming familiar with the causes, you can take steps to save your teeth and diminish the pain.
Enamel Erosion
Your teeth have a hard protective outer layer called the enamel. It can be eroded by such things as acidic food and beverages or by rough brushing or acid reflux. Loss of enamel exposes the inner dentin thus causing sensitivity.
Gum Recession
The gums also tend to recede as one gets older or when affected by gum disease leading to the roots of the teeth being exposed which lack enamel. The roots have very small linings joined directly to nerves and they are extremely sensitive to touch and temperature.
Tooth Decay or Cavities
The tooth structure deteriorates due to cavities, which may lead to the exposure of the inner layers to any stimuli and cause pain and sensitivity. When decay is not treated, it may go deeper into underlying layers, bringing about greater pain and even infection.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Teeth can be cracked or chipped by trauma, grinding or biting on hard things. These cracks may allow the touch of the dentin or even the nerve of the tooth to arouse sudden pain when subjected to cold or pressure.
Worn Fillings
Worn out or broken fillings can turn out shrunken, fractured, or detached, and the spaces should reveal the sensitive areas of the teeth. This has the ability to bring about discomfort particularly when chewing or when teeth are exposed to either hot or cold foods.
Recent Dental Procedures
Temporary tooth sensitivity can occur after treating the teeth such as through professional teeth whitening, deep cleanings or dental restorations. This usually settles in a couple of days but may be painful during the healing process.
Risk Factors of Tooth Sensitivity
Aggressive Brushing: Brushing with a hard toothbrush or brushing forcefully may cause enamel and gum to become worn down aggravating the condition and therefore more sensitive.
Acidic Diet: The regular intake of food and beverages that contain or produce acids such as citrus fruits, soda and wine destroys enamel as time goes on.
Bruxism: Clenching teeth or grinding causes enamel to wear out and be exposed to soft parts.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing may cause the accumulation of plaque and gum disease as well as erosion of the enamel, which all may cause sensitivity.
Age-Related Sensitivity: Sensitivity comes along with age since enamel becomes too thin and gums recede.
How Tooth Sensitivity Is Diagnosed
Dental Examination: The dentist checks with his/her eyes the state of your teeth and gums looking for the signs of enamel loss, gum recession or any other visual problems.
Imaging or X-rays: They are useful in identifying underlying issues such as teeth that are missing, decay or cracks, or or underlying infections that could also make a tooth sensitive.
Medical and Dietary History Review: The dentist inquires about your health, habits and diet, in a bid to identify factors that have potential to cause sensitivity.
Treatment Options
Following are the different treatment options:
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Tooth sensitivity is usually combated by the use of desensitizing toothpaste as a first measure. Such desensitizing toothpastes have the ingredients which facilitate the prevention of the sensation relayed between the surface of a tooth and the nerve, minimizing the degree of pain that is felt due to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic temperatures. With time, they can cause sensitivity and can decrease sensitivity and alleviate with regular use.
Fluoride Treatments
Local fluoride therapy strengthens the tooth enamel and combats hypersensitivity, or remineralizes the weakened areas. Fluoride varnishes and gels are brushed on the teeth by your dentist, the summary effect of this is a protective layer that helps cover exposed dentin and blocks further enamel deterioration.
Dental Bonding or sealants
In case of an area of localized sensitivity, dental bonding or sealants can be used to seal the exposed surface of teeth. Bonding involves covering sensitive areas with the use of a tooth colored resin that gives protection and insulation whereas the sealants act as a protective coating at the grooves and pits of the tooth to ward away any decay that causes sensitivity.
Gum Graft
If the recession of gums reveals the roots of the teeth and it becomes highly sensitive, a gum graft can be prescribed. This surgery aims to cover the exposed roots with a tissue graft; therefore shielding sensitivity and decay, and enhancing gum health and cosmetics.
Root Canals
When there is deep decay making the tooth painful and sensitive, a root canal procedure can be used. It is a procedure that excises the nerve tissue infected or damaged within the tooth thus relieving the pain and preventing tooth extraction.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
Following are preventive measures:
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dentist check-ups enable your dentist to identify some of the initial indications of sensitivity, case-offs, or caries early before the problem is advanced. Plaque and tartar deposits, which may lead to enamel wearing and sensitivity, are removed during professional cleanings as well.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Technique
By applying a soft-tipped toothbrush and gentle brushing strokes, you can prevent your enamel and gums from the harm. Brushing should be avoided harshly, which polishes enamel and leads to recession. To prevent gum disease and other common causes of sensitivity, include flossing in your daily oral health routine to clean the plaque between the teeth.
Mouthguards for Grinders
In the event that you grind or clench your teeth, a specific mouth guard cushion your teeth against undue stress and wear of the enamel. It is a simple device, which relieves pressure on your teeth and protects against sensitivity due to grinding.
Balanced Diet
Eating food that is less rich in acids can ensure that your enamel is not eaten away. The risk of decay also provides a potential to expose sensitive tooth layers and can be avoided by minimising the intake of sugary snacks. Rather, it is wise to select foods rich in calcium and drink a lot of water to keep the teeth well and fine.
FAQs
What is the cause of sensitivity of the tooth?
Tooth sensitivity is due to loss of the protective enamel or shifting of the gums exposing the underlying dentin. This enables stimulation of the nerve endings with hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods that give the person discomfort or pain.
Is tooth sensitivity reversible?
Enamel can never regrow, but sensitivity can be treated and thus minimized with desensitizing toothpaste, topical fluoride, and the covering of exposed roots with special procedures.
What is the frequency of visits to the dentist to avoid sensitivity?
They suggest that dental checkups should be conducted after every six months. Frequent visits allow early identification and treatment of manifestations of sensitivity or gum problems prior to their exacerbation.
Can whitening toothpaste cause your teeth to be sensitive?
There are whitening toothpastes that temporarily lead to sensitivity as their components are abrasive ones. In this case it produces discomfort, so make a switch to a toothpaste that is labeled for sensitive teeth.
How should I brush so that I can prevent sensitivity?
Take a soft circular toothbrush. After eating and drinking acidic substances you should avoid aggressive scrubbing and brushing as enamel can become sensitive and easier to remove.
