Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects many people. It causes discomfort or pain when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. So, it becomes essential to understand why it arises and how you can get rid of it.
If you understand why tooth sensitivity arises, you can easily take proactive measures to avoid it and improve your quality of life. With proper attention to tooth sensitivity, you can maintain a pain-free smile. In this blog, we will look at different aspects of tooth sensitivity and some time to help you manage and prevent this uncomfortable condition.
Schedule your appointment today to treat tooth sensitivity effectively.
What Is Teeth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity is a sharp, temporary pain or discomfort that you experience when the teeth get exposed to certain stimuli such as hot and cold beverages. Tooth sensitivity can also occur when you consume sweet or acidic foods. Teeth also become sensitive when the protective layer of the enamel wears down and exposes the nerve endings or the dentin.
Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity
Let us take a look at what causes sudden tooth sensitivity.
1. Enamel Wear And Tear
Over time, enamel can wear down due to aggressive brushing, abrasive toothpaste, or consuming acidic foods and drinks. Once the enamel of the teeth gets eroded, the dentin is exposed and you become vulnerable to sensitivity.
2. Gum Recession
Gum recession is also one of the prime tooth sensitivity causes. It occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Receding gum lines can also appear because of periodontal disease, improper brushing techniques, or aging. They make the teeth more sensitive.
3. Cracked Or Fractured Teeth
Teeth can crack or fracture due to trauma, grinding, or biting on hard objects. These cracks can expose the inner layers of the tooth. Cracked or fractured teeth can cause pain and sensitivity.
4. Tooth Decay
Cavities or tooth decay create holes in the enamel. They allow external stimuli to reach the nerve endings in the tooth resulting in sudden tooth sensitivity.
Symptoms Of Sensitive Teeth
The first step to treating tooth sensitivity is to recognise the symptoms of sensitive teeth. Doing so will help you opt for immediate medical attention. The below-mentioned are a few common symptoms of sensitive teeth.
1. Discomfort While Brushing Or Flossing
Individuals with sensitive teeth may experience pain or discomfort during routine oral hygiene practices, such as brushing or flossing. It is usually because of the exposed dentin.
2. Pain When Biting Or Chewing
Sensitivity can cause sharp pain when you try to apply any pressure to the teeth while biting or chewing food. If you experience pain while biting or chewing, it can indicate enamel damage or tooth fracture.
3. Gum Inflammation Or Recession
Sensitive teeth are often accompanied by gum issues. You might experience problems such as inflammation, redness, or recession. These dental problems can further expose the tooth roots and increase sensitivity.
4. Sensitivity To Sweet Or Acidic Foods
Consuming sweet or acidic foods and beverages can also cause discomfort or pain in sensitive teeth. These substances can penetrate the exposed dentin and irritate the nerves.
Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience one of the above-mentioned symptoms of a sensitive tooth, you must opt for the treatment at the earliest. Getting the treatment at the right time will help you reduce discomfort and protect your teeth from any further damage.
Here are a few options for sensitive tooth treatment.
1. Desensitising Toothpaste
These toothpastes are specially made to block pain signals from the tooth’s surface to the nerve. Using them regularly can provide significant relief from sensitivity.
2. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments in the form of gel are known to cause a significant reduction in the intensity of pain. One can opt for professional fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. It is best to visit your doctor to get this treatment in the office.
3. Dental Procedures
Your dentist might suggest some dental procedures like bonding, crowns, or inlays to cover the exposed dentin or repair the damaged teeth. However, these procedures are advisable only in extreme conditions.
If you still experience cold-sensitive tooth pain despite these treatments, it’s essential to consult a dentist in sunshine coast and receive appropriate care.
How Tooth Sensitivity Can Be Prevented
Tooth sensitivity prevention is an easy task that involves adopting habits that protect tooth enamel and maintain your dental health.
Here’s how you can keep teeth sensitivity at bay.
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps prevent gum disease and enamel erosion. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps in reducing the risk of sensitivity.
2. Be Mindful Of The Brushing Technique
You must avoid aggressive brushing as it can wear down enamel and cause gum recession. Use gentle, circular motions instead.
3. Practise Smart Eating And Drinking Habits
You should also limit the consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks that can erode enamel. It is important to rinse your mouth with water after consuming such items and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Conclusion
Tooth sensitivity might start as a dental issue that you can easily neglect. However, over time, it can worsen and impact your quality of life. Once you understand its causes, treatment, and prevention, you can keep sensitive teeth at bay. Remember that prevention care as advised by Oris Dental can effectively manage tooth sensitivity, ensuring a pain-free, healthy smile.
Call us today for personalized care to prevent and treat sensitive teeth.
FAQs
Q) How to fix sensitive teeth?
Ans: To fix sensitive teeth, you must first identify their underlying causes and then opt for the appropriate treatments. You can use desensitising toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and even some dental procedures such as bonding or crowns to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Q) How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately?
Ans: To stop sensitive teeth pain immediately, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. It will help in reducing inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help, but it’s essential to see your dentist if the pain persists.
Q) Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?
Ans: Your teeth can suddenly become sensitive for several reasons. For example, enamel erosion, gum recession, tooth decay, or recent dental procedures can cause sudden sensitivity in teeth.
Q) Why do all my teeth hurt suddenly?
Ans: If all your teeth hurt suddenly, it might indicate an issue like tooth sensitivity, gum disease, or a widespread enamel erosion problem. It’s essential to consult your dentist to determine why your teeth have started to hurt suddenly.
Q) When should I see my dentist for teeth sensitivity?
Ans: You should see your dentist for teeth sensitivity if the pain is severe, persistent, or affects multiple teeth. Also, if you notice any signs of gum diseases like bleeding gums or receding gum lines, you should see the dentist promptly.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
