Oral hygiene is more than simply keeping a beautiful smile; it’s about safeguarding the health and well-being of your teeth and gums (and, by implication, your entire body!).
Many people experience tooth sensitivity. Various conditions can cause this bothersome disease, so it’s critical to understand the causes, treatment options, and prevention methods.
In this blog, our Marmaris Dental Centre dentists will dig into dental sensitivity, explaining the various causes and how you might relieve the suffering.
Worn enamel.
Tooth enamel is the strong, protective covering of your teeth. It aims to protect the sensitive dentin below from environmental conditions.
However, enamel can wear away over time due to forceful brushing, abrasive toothpaste, or acidic meals and beverages (more on later).
When enamel erodes, it exposes the underlying dentin, which includes tiny tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerve. As a result, you may feel sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to reduce the sensitivity that results from worn enamel.
Consider using desensitising toothpaste, which helps plug the tubules and alleviates irritation. Sometimes, your dentist may propose dental bonding to protect the exposed dentin and reduce irritation.
Gum recession.
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around your teeth pushes back or wears away, revealing the tooth roots. The roots are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and other stimuli because they lack the enamel that coats the tooth’s crown.
Bleeding gums are an early warning symptom of gum recession, and they should not be ignored because they can indicate the development of gum disease.
Swollen gums can also be a sign of gum problems that cause sensitivity, and they should not be overlooked because they may indicate gingivitis.
Solution: If gum recession, disease, or other gum disorders are causing sensitivity, your dentist can offer customised remedies. Gum grafting to cover exposed roots, extensive cleaning to cure gum disease, and recommending specialist oral hygiene practices to preserve gum health are all possible options.
Seeking professional help is vital for successful treatment!
Tooth decay.
Tooth decay, particularly in the form of cavities, is a common cause of tooth sensitivity.
When decay develops through the enamel and dentin, it eventually reaches the nerve within the tooth. This can cause intense pain or sensitivity, particularly when ingesting hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
Solution: Treating dental decay is critical to reducing sensitivity and preventing future damage. It usually entails removing the decaying area of the tooth and applying a dental filling material. This technique not only repairs the tooth’s structure but also reduces sensitivity.
Root canal therapy.
In cases of severe decay affecting the nerve, your dentist may offer root canal treatment.
This surgery involves removing the infected or damaged nerve tissue and sealing the tooth to avoid further infection. While root canals are known for being painful, current procedures make the treatment more comfortable. This procedure is quite effective in protecting natural teeth and alleviating discomfort.
Brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste regularly can help reduce tooth decay and consequent sensitivity.
Limit sugary and acidic meals, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to detect and treat cavities early on.
Cracked teeth
Cracks or fractures in teeth can lead to sensitivity. These fissures can range in size and depth, but even little ones can allow temperature and pressure fluctuations to reach the nerve, producing irritation.
Contact your South Yarra dentist immediately if you feel a fractured tooth is causing your sensitivity. Early action can keep the fracture from worsening and help you avoid more invasive procedures.
Solution: Dental crowns may be used to repair cracked teeth, covering and protecting the broken tooth and avoiding additional sensitivity. In some circumstances, dental bonding can seal the crack and relieve discomfort.
Avoid biting hard things like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels to lessen the danger of fractured teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from excessive force.
Acidic diet.
Your food and beverage choices can have an impact on your tooth enamel. Acidic foods and beverages, including citrus fruits and carbonated soft drinks, can degrade enamel over time. This erosion exposes the dentin below, contributing to tooth discomfort.
Solution: To reduce the sensitivity induced by an acidic diet, limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks. If you drink them, use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices will help protect your enamel and general dental health.
Sensitive teeth? Schedule a dental checkup today!
Understanding the many causes of tooth sensitivity and implementing appropriate solutions allows you to manage this frequent dental issue and enjoy a beautiful, pain-free smile.
Maintaining appropriate oral hygiene practices, visiting your dentist regularly, and obtaining professional advice for sensitive teeth care are all essential measures for treating and preventing tooth sensitivity.
Are you dealing with an unpleasant level of sensitivity? Schedule an appointment with Marmaris Dental Centre today!