Many say that they have “sensitive teeth”. They usually mean that they feel transient pain or discomfort in their teeth due to following stimuli:
- Drinking or eating cold things
- Drinking or eating hot things
- Eating excess of sweets
What is tooth sensitivity?
The short duration pain experienced in the teeth while eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, etc. is called teeth sensitivity. The problem of sensitivity is experienced mainly due to worn fillings, cavities in teeth, gum diseases, enamel layer wearing.
What causes sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity or Dentin Hypersensitivity is dental pain arising from exposed dentin surfaces in response to any stimuli like thermal, chemical, electric, etc.
Following are the main causes:
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- Gingival Recession (Receding gums) that exposes root surfaces, results in loss of cementum layer and tooth wear
- Tooth erosion caused by GERD, Bulimia or Excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks
- Faulty brushing technique resulting in Dental Abrasion
- Chronic Periodontitis/Gum Disease
- Fractured tooth
- Worn out fillings/ Dislodged restoration
- Teeth clenching habit/ Bruxism
- Dental bleaching
- Smoking tobacco
- Tooth Decay or infection.
- A recent filling which is high
- Recent Cap/Crown which is high or doesn’t allow a comfortable bite
- Excessive pressure from clenching or grinding.
- A cracked or broken tooth.
What does sensitive teeth feel like?
The pain felt in teeth with sensitivity is sharp and sudden, in response to an external stimulus. The most common cause is cold stimuli. Other types of stimuli may also trigger pain in dentin hypersensitivity, including: Hot drinks, Sugar, coolant water jet, air , acidic food or gastric acids, at times even tooth brushing.
The frequency and severity with which the pain occurs are variable.
How is tooth pain diagnosed?
A thorough dental examination is required to check if there is decay or a problem with the nerve, any deep fillings and exposed root surfaces or recently restored tooth with a filling or a cap. The dentist will ask you about your oral habits. If needed a few x-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Tips to deal with your sensitivity
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- In the event that you have touchy or sensitive teeth, it’s conceivable that a portion of your enamel has worn off. To slowdown the harm opt for tooth sensitivity treatment at the earliest.
- Try not to brush excessively hard. Hard brushing may spoil the condition of the teeth and even lead to the loss of enamel from the gum line. You should utilize a delicate bristled brush and work at a 45-degree point to your gum to keep the finish spotless and solid.
- Avoid acidic nourishments and beverages, clingy candy, high-sugar carbs – these cause more harm than benefit
- Include organic fiber-rich food.
- If you experience frequent systemic acidity, don’t ignore, consult a gastroenterologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longevity of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of Dental Filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.
- Use of desensitizing tooth paste.
- Use of soft bristled brush.
- Avoid food that is highly acidic in nature.
- Use of fluoridated mouth wash.
- Use of mouth guard in case of teeth clenching/bruxism habit.
- Use of fluoride gel or varnish.
- Bonding Treatment, Crown Restoration or Inlay Restoration, if directed by dentists.
- Gum augmentation periodontal surgery for root coverage.
Tooth Sensitivity never completely disappears, unless its cause is addressed and treated.
If sensitivity lasts for longer than a few weeks, contact Dr. Deepika’s Dental Clinic If you have a scheduled cleaning coming up soon, inform about your sensitivity during your appointment. In most of the cases, teeth sensitivity are easy to treat.