Sensitive teeth can be a common annoyance for many people. Experiencing pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks can be a sign of sensitive teeth. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the sensitivity and in many cases make it go away completely. In this article we’ll explore what causes sensitive teeth and how to treat them.Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including enamel loss, gum recession, worn fillings or crowns, cracked teeth, and acidic foods and drinks. Enamel loss can occur due to brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, consuming acidic foods or drinks that can wear away the enamel, and neglecting dental hygiene. Gum recession can be caused by aggressive brushing or from periodontal disease. Worn fillings or crowns can leave the dentin layer of the teeth exposed which can cause sensitivity. Cracked teeth are also prone to sensitivity as they allow fluids to enter and irritate the inner nerves of the teeth. Finally, acidic foods and drinks such as coffee and citrus fruits can erode tooth enamel over time leading to sensitive teeth.
What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth can cause a sharp, sudden pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. This pain may also be felt when breathing in cold air. Other symptoms of sensitive teeth include: pain when brushing or flossing; discomfort when consuming sweets; spontaneous shooting pains in the mouth; and increased sensitivity to temperature changes.
Sensitive teeth can often be caused by receding gums, worn tooth enamel, cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste to help reduce sensitivity. These toothpastes contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate which helps block the nerve endings from sending pain signals to the brain. It is important to note that these products need several applications before they are effective and may not work for everyone.
Your dentist may also suggest a fluoride treatment or other restorative treatments such as bonding or crowns if there are signs of decay or damage in the mouth that could be causing sensitivity. In some cases, medications such as ibuprofen may be prescribed to help with the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
If left untreated, sensitive teeth can lead to further complications such as an abscessed tooth (an infection) and even tooth loss. For this reason, it is important to visit your dentist if you are experiencing recurring symptoms of sensitive teeth so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken before more serious damage occurs.
How Is the Severity of Tooth Sensitivity Determined?
Dentists measure the severity of tooth sensitivity by examining and assessing a patient’s mouth. They look for signs of decay, cavities, and gum disease which can cause heightened sensitivity. This assessment is done through visual inspection and palpation (feeling with the fingers). Dentists may also use special instruments to examine the teeth more closely. If a dentist suspects that a patient has sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, they may ask them to rate their pain on a scale of one to ten when exposed to certain temperatures. The dentist may also suggest other tests such as x-rays or CT scans to get a better understanding of the issue. Ultimately, the severity of tooth sensitivity can be determined by assessing any potential underlying causes and determining how much pain or discomfort it is causing the patient.
Once the cause has been determined, treatments can be implemented to reduce discomfort and prevent further damage. Treatments may include fluoride treatments, sealants, root canal therapy, bonding agents, or other procedures designed to strengthen teeth so they can withstand temperature changes without causing pain or discomfort. Regular visits to the dentist are essential in preventing further damage from occurring and maintaining good dental health overall.
Can Diet Affect Tooth Sensitivity?
Yes, diet can have an effect on tooth sensitivity. Eating certain foods and drinks can cause tooth sensitivity, while avoiding other foods and drinks can help to reduce it. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sugar and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of developing cavities and dental erosion, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Consuming too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks can weaken the enamel of the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity in the nerves of the teeth. Sugary snacks like candy or soft drinks, as well as acidic fruits like oranges or lemons, should be limited in order to reduce the risk of developing tooth sensitivity.
It’s important to remember that even healthy snacks like apples or yogurt can contain natural sugars that can increase your risk of developing cavities if consumed too often. To reduce this risk, be sure to brush your teeth after eating any sugary snack. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep your mouth clean and can also help to reduce tooth sensitivity by washing away any acidity that may linger in your mouth after eating a sugary snack.
In addition to avoiding sugary and acidic foods, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth and is essential for keeping them healthy and free from pain or discomfort due to tooth sensitivity. Foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish are all great sources of calcium that should be included in your daily diet for optimal oral health.
Overall, diet plays an important role in maintaining good oral health and reducing tooth sensitivity. Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and acidity while including plenty of calcium-rich foods is essential for keeping your teeth strong and free from pain or discomfort due to sensitivity.
Home Remedies to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be an uncomfortable experience, making it difficult to eat cold or hot foods and drinks. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can help reduce tooth sensitivity. These include avoiding overly acidic and sugary foods, using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, and rinsing with a saltwater solution.
Avoiding overly acidic and sugary foods is one of the simplest ways to reduce tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods such as fruit juices, carbonated beverages, and wine can erode the enamel on teeth, making them more sensitive. Sugary foods increase the risk of cavities, which can also lead to increased sensitivity.
Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth is another way to reduce tooth sensitivity. These types of toothpastes contain ingredients that block the dentin tubules that cause pain in sensitive teeth. It is important to note that while these special toothpastes can help with immediate relief from pain, they do not address the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity.
Rinsing with a saltwater solution can also help reduce tooth sensitivity. Saltwater helps reduce inflammation in the gums and can neutralize acid in the mouth which can lead to increased sensitivity. To make a saltwater solution, mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds before spitting out.
Finally, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups so any underlying issues causing your pain can be addressed quickly. Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to keep track of any changes in your oral health that may indicate an issue requiring further examination or treatment.
How Can a Dentist Help with Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth can be incredibly uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat or drink hot or cold food and beverages. If you are experiencing sensitivity, your dentist can help. Your dentist will be able to identify the cause of your sensitivity and develop a treatment plan to help alleviate the issues.
The first step in treating sensitive teeth is to identify the cause of the problem. If you have cavities or tooth decay, a dentist can treat this with fillings or crowns. If there is gum recession, a dentist may recommend a dental bonding procedure to cover exposed areas of the tooth root.
Your dentist may also suggest using special toothpastes that are formulated for sensitive teeth, which contain ingredients such as strontium chloride or potassium nitrate to help reduce sensitivity. Another option is fluoride treatments, which can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity over time.
Your dentist may also recommend having crowns or veneers placed on the affected teeth if the sensitivity is severe. These can help protect the surface of the teeth from further damage while providing relief from discomfort due to sensitivity.
If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, it is important to visit your dentist for an examination so they can determine the cause and develop an effective treatment plan for you. Your dentist will be able to provide advice on how to best manage your condition so you can get back to enjoying life pain-free.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Treatment for sensitive teeth usually involves addressing the underlying cause of the sensitivity. Depending on the cause, different treatments may be recommended to provide relief and prevent future discomfort. Common treatments for sensitive teeth include tooth desensitizing agents, fluoride treatments, bonding or sealants, occlusal adjustment, and dental crowns.
Desensitizing agents are typically used first to block the sensation of pain from hot and cold temperatures. The agent is applied directly to the sensitive area and works by blocking stimuli from entering the nerve endings in the tooth root. Fluoride treatments are also used to address sensitivity by strengthening enamel and providing an extra layer of protection against decay. Bonding and sealants can also help by filling in exposed areas on the teeth where temperature-sensitive nerves may be exposed.
Occlusal adjustment is another common treatment for sensitive teeth which involves reshaping biting surfaces of teeth using a drill or polishing technique. This can reduce sensitivity caused by grinding or clenching teeth as well as misaligned bite patterns. Dental crowns are also used to provide extra protection over sensitive areas and help reduce discomfort from hot and cold temperatures.
The effectiveness of treatment for sensitive teeth varies depending on how severe the condition is and what underlying causes may be present. In many cases, a combination of treatments is most effective in addressing sensitivity long-term. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure that any changes in your condition are addressed quickly with appropriate treatment before discomfort becomes too severe.
Brush and Floss Daily
The best way to prevent teeth sensitivity is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria which can cause tooth sensitivity. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that may be stuck between the teeth, which can lead to decay and cavities. If you have sensitive teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid Acidic Food and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel of your teeth, leading to sensitivity. Avoid soda, citrus fruits, energy drinks, sports drinks, alcohol, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, vinegar-based salad dressings, etc., as these are all acidic. Try replacing these with water or milk instead.
Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Using a desensitizing toothpaste is also an effective way of preventing sensitive teeth. Desensitizing toothpastes contain ingredients that help block sensation in the nerve endings of the teeth. They also help strengthen the enamel on your teeth by forming a protective layer over them.
See Your Dentist Regularly
It is important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will be able to identify any potential problems with your teeth before they become serious issues. Your dentist may also be able to recommend other treatments for sensitive teeth such as fluoride treatments or sealants that can help protect your teeth from further damage.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can be a difficult and uncomfortable condition to live with, but the good news is that it is usually temporary. The best way to treat sensitive teeth is to determine the cause and take steps to reduce the pain. This could include using specialized toothpaste, changing your brushing technique, or scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
In most cases, sensitive teeth can go away if you take these steps and manage the underlying cause of the problem. However, if the pain persists, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment. With proper care and guidance, you can enjoy eating again without worrying about uncomfortable sensations in your teeth.
Ultimately, if you’re struggling with sensitive teeth, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Seek help from your dentist and take steps to reduce pain so that you can get back to enjoying life again.