Tooth sensitivity is a common problem in the dental field. There are many things that can factor in that would cause your teeth to become sensitive. Two of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity are when your teeth come in contact with temperatures that are either really high or really low. The pain is usually sharp and sudden but it is usually only temporary.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Other than the sudden and sharp pain from your teeth coming into contact with something either hot or cold, there are other reasons why your teeth can become sensitive.
Every tooth is made up of dentin. Dentin is the dense bone tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth. Then there is the enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth that covers the dentin, and its purpose is to protect the dentin underneath.
When not properly taken care of, the enamel can start to wear away. As more and more of the dentin is exposed, the tooth will start to become more and more sensitive.
Some of the things that can increase wear on the enamel are:
Brushing your teeth too hard. You should be brushing your teeth on a regular basis, but if you brush too hard, it will slowly wear away the protective enamel on your teeth.
Acid reflux. The acid eats away at the enamel.
Some acidic foods. When the food is too acidic and you eat a large amount of it either at once or over time, it will slowly eat away at the enamel.
How to Prevent Enamel Loss and Tooth Sensitivity
Something that some people don’t realize is that once the enamel has been damaged, it can never recover. You may see commercials for special toothpaste that can repair the enamel, but that just isn’t accurate.
The only way you can stop enamel loss or damage is to prevent it.
Here are some ways that you can use to help prevent enamel loss and damage:
- Avoid eating too many acidic foods and drinking too much acidic soda. If you do, then rinse your mouth out when you are done to help get rid of the excess acid left behind, then brush your teeth at least 30 minutes later to ensure that the acid has been cleaned off of your teeth.
- Skip the hard bristled toothbrush and instead use a soft bristle toothbrush. The soft bristle will ensure that you are not brushing too hard. When brushing, make sure that you hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to keep your enamel clean and strong.
- Try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Grinding and clenching your teeth causes the enamel to wear down, and if it does start, you need to consult your dentist to be fitted for a mouth guard. There are some people that don’t realize they grind their teeth because they only do it at night. So if you start to notice your teeth feeling duller or flatter, consult your dentist.
- Everyone is looking for that Hollywood smile. Bleaching is very bad for the enamel. When it comes to tooth-whitening products, always consult your dentist before use. The products may remove the stains, but they also remove the enamel.
What Can You do Once the Damage is Already Done?
You have tried hard to prevent enamel damage, but there are times one or more teeth may still become sensitive. The sensitivity on the premolars or canines is usually because of gum recession. When you start to feel sensitivity, the first thing you should do is consult your dentist. They will know what is needed to help your remaining enamel become stronger.
A treatment plan for helping to strengthen the enamel is usually as follows:
- Using fluoride gel. The gel not only helps to strengthen the enamel, but it will also help to relieve some of the sensitivity.
- Brushing with a special toothpaste. Look for brands that aim to help block the sensation of sensitivity.
- Checking for major dental treatment. If the gum recession is bad enough, you may need to get a surgical gum graft done. Crowns are also used to help where tooth decay is the cause. When the situation is severe, a root canal is used to treat the tooth sensitivity.
When to Call the Dentist
At any point, if you start feeling tooth sensitivity, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. Your dentist will be able to help you keep further damage from occurring.
The dental practice of Smiles By Design is always looking forward to helping their patients have their best smiles.