For
one moment you’re drinking an iced-cold tea, and the next thing you know you’re
already flying out of your seat. That’s how strong the sharp stinging sensation
of sensitive teeth can be at times. When you have sensitive teeth, simple
activities like eating and slurping hot or cold stuff, biting down on candy
bars and even brushing can be wildly uncomfortable and painful.
So
what’s happening? Well, it could be caused by a variety of reasons, including
dental disease, trauma, cavity, cracked or chipped tooth, or a side effect of a
dental procedure like teeth bleaching. Although, typically, sensitive teeth is
a result of dentin exposure or a worn out enamel.
The
Usual Culprits
Your
teeth may be sensitive for a number of horrible reasons, such as:
- Bad
brushing habits. Putting too much pressure and using hard-bristled toothbrush
when brushing can wear down the tooth enamel and expose the dentin.
- Gum
disease. Swollen, receding, inflamed or sore gum tissue causes tooth
sensitivity.
- Smoking.
Cigarette and tobacco use can cause gum disease and worn down enamel, over
time. This leaves the teeth roots exposed causing sensitivity.
- Cracked
or broken teeth. A cracked, broken or chipped tooth can encase bacteria and
plaque that may cause inflammation and pain.
- Bruxism.
This involves teeth grinding and clenching which fractures teeth and cause
sensitivity by exposing deeper layers of your teeth and eroding the enamel in
the long run.
Fixes
to Sensitive Teeth
Be
sure to see your dentist for ways to treat your tooth sensitivity. In the
meantime, the following remedies may help:
- Use
a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled ones will only cause more wear on the
enamel. Soft-bristled brushes, on the contrary, are gentler on your gums and
enamel. Additionally, make certain that you brush at least twice a day to
prevent teeth sensitivity for recurring.
- Consider
wearing a mouth guard. If you usually grind and clench your teeth especially
during sleep, ask your dentist in Scottsdale regarding mouth guards.
- Use
desensitizing toothpaste. It can protect the enamel, help ease tooth pain and
decrease sensitivity.
- Use
fluoride rinse daily. Safeguard your dentin from getting exposed and protect
your enamel from wearing away by swishing your mouth with fluoride rinse.
- Watch
your diet. Keep your acidic food and beverage intake to a minimum because they
can negatively affect the enamel. Moderate your consumption of carbonated
drinks, tomato-based products, wine and the likes. These substances produce
harmful acids that can soften and dissolve the enamel making it vulnerable to
erosion.
Schedule
a visit to your dentist
If you have sensitive teeth, it is crucial that
you pay regular visits to your dentist. He or she will be able to determine the
best treatment option for you depending on the reasons for your sensitivity.
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