If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, you are not alone. One out of every eight adults faces this problem.
Feeling pain every time you put something hot or cold in your mouth is frustrating. It forces people to avoid certain foods thus decreasing the quality of their lives. Can something be done to make the condition better?
Why Do Some People Have Sensitive Teeth?
More than 12% of Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity. Why does it happen? One of the components of our teeth is a layer of dentin. If your teeth are healthy, durable layer of enamel protects the softer layer of dentin. Gums cover the lower part of the dentin.
However, when enamel wears away or the gum line recedes, the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin’s direct connection to the nerve endings makes you experience pain when something hot or cold touches it.
Anyone, who has problems with teeth or gums, can suffer from tooth sensitivity. There are no risk groups.
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity occurs after a dentist’s appointment, which involves tooth restoration procedures. In such cases, the pain goes away in a few weeks.
Things To Do To Prevent Sensitive Teeth
According to experts at a San Diego dental clinic Bajars & Bajars, a few things can be done to avoid sensitive teeth:
- Watch your gum health. People suffering from the periodontal disease usually deal with receding gums, which expose the dentin. Gum inflammation can expose the root of the tooth.
- Check your teeth regularly. Cracked teeth may be the reason for tooth sensitivity. They get filled with bacteria and lead to inflammation.
- Avoid grinding your teeth. When you grind or clench your teeth, you wear down the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin.
- Do teeth cleaning. Plaque build-up can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Avoid acidic mouthwashes. Some of the mouthwashes you get at your nearest store contain acids. If dentin is already slightly exposed, acid can make the sensitive tooth problem worse while damaging the dentin itself. Opt for fluoride mouthwashes.
- Avoid acidic food. Acidic food should be avoided for the same reason as acidic mouthwashes.
How To Deal With Sensitive Teeth
While some quick fixes as desensitizing toothpaste exist, tooth sensitivity won’t go away until you deal with the problem that caused it.
If you have gum disease or tooth damage, sensitivity will only get worse. As long as dentin is exposed, it will cause pain when you eat certain foods and drink hot or cold beverages.
It’s highly important to diagnose the reason for tooth sensitivity. That’s why if you are suffering from this problem, choose the dentist wisely. As soon as the problem is discovered and proper treatment is administered, you should stop suffering from tooth sensitivity.
While you are undergoing the treatment or waiting for your next appointment, you can do the following:
- Invest in a desensitizing toothpaste. Ask the dentist for recommendations.
- Don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid acidic mouthwashes and food.
- Avoid teeth grinding. If you do it during the night, invest in a mouth guard.
Your dentist is likely to offer you the following treatment:
- Crown, bonding or inlay
- Fluoride varnish treatment
- Gum Graft
- Root canal (as a last resort)
Can You Live With Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity hinders the quality of your life. However, many people live with it since the pain is occasional. You need to understand that tooth sensitivity is not a disease. It’s a symptom of something going wrong with your teeth and gums.
As soon as you start experiencing tooth sensitivity, make a doctor’s appointment. Living with this problem may mean making it worse.