Sharp pain after eating ice cream or hot soup can signify sensitive teeth. It can also be a sign of a cavity. Tooth sensitivity can affect one tooth, several, or all teeth. The good news is that the most sensitive teeth can be easily treated by changing your oral hygiene routine.
Cavities
A cavity can cause pain or tooth sensitivity. In addition, excess plaque buildup can wear away tooth enamel. Therefore, always keep up with smiles by Dixon dental cleaning practices. Also, tooth fillings can weaken and fracture as they age, causing an acid buildup in tiny crevices and eroding enamel.
Dental Procedures
Dental procedures like crowns, fillings, cleanings, or tooth replacement can cause sensitivity. However, this type of sensitivity usually subsides within a few weeks.
Gum Diseases
Gum diseases lead to gum inflammation and expose the roots of the teeth, causing sensitivity. The common gum diseases are periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Using Acidic Mouthwash
Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that aggravate tooth sensitivity. Avoid regular use of such mouthwashes and get a neutral fluoride solution.
Brushing Aggressively
Brushing too hard can wear down tooth enamel. It can also cause gum recession, exposing your tooth root and causing sensitivity.
Teeth Grinding
Enamel can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, grinding your teeth removes the enamel and exposes the nerve tubes. You can use a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth from grinding at night.
Tooth Whitening Products
Many manufacturers add many chemicals to make their tooth whitening formulas more abrasive. The chemicals wear away the enamel and make teeth more sensitive. Avoid abrasive whitening agents and use basic toothpaste or schedule a dental whitening procedure.
Age
While tooth sensitivity can occur at any age, studies show it is common in adults aged 20 to 50, with the majority occurring at 25-30. Adults are also prone to gum recession, which is the leading cause of sensitive teeth.
Acidic Foods
Taking acidic foods over a long period can erode enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. The common acidic foods are pickles, citrus fruits, and tea. Limit acidic food intake and if you do, rinse your mouth with water.
Cracked Teeth
Bacteria can enter a chipped or broken tooth and cause pain or sensitivity. Even a tiny tooth crack can cause sensitivity too. Consult a dentist to examine the crack.
How To Deal with Tooth Sensitivity
Avoid Acidic Food
Certain drinks and foods can aggravate sensitive teeth. Limit or avoid beverages like sodas, coffee, or acidic foods like pickles or lemons. Also, avoid extremely hot or cold foods to prevent tooth discomfort.
Use Soft Brushes
Changing your hard-bristled toothbrush to a soft-bristled toothbrush is an easy way to relieve tooth sensitivity. Abrasive toothpaste and a stiff-bristled toothbrush can damage the enamel, leading to sensitivity.
Scheduled Dental Checkups
Gum diseases are the major cause of teeth sensitivity. When a gum tissue moves away from the tooth, it exposes the nerves, causing discomfort. Consult a dentist to see if you have gum disease.
Using Salt Water
A saltwater mouthwash can help reduce teeth sensitivity because saltwater creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, inhibiting bacterial growth. It also reduces plaque.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic commonly used to prevent infections in wounds, cuts, or burns. You can reduce inflammation or heal gums with hydrogen peroxide.
Using Dental Varnishes
Dentists can use varnishes and other coatings to relieve sensitive teeth. You can also apply a fluoride varnish to relieve sensitivity or use bonding agents and plastic sealants to reinforce enamel and dentin.
Tooth sensitivity can cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, it is best to know the causes and remedy the problem. Avoid acidic beverages and mouthwashes. Always consult a dentist when you have cavities or cracked teeth.