Causes And Prevention Of Tooth Sensitivity

Causes And Prevention Of Tooth Sensitivity

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Cold food can make your sensitive teeth feel like a burning mess. We have listed some tips to make your mouth feel happy always.

Whether it’s a big mug of iced tea or an ice cream cone, everyone has their favorite summer treat. This helps to keep them cool during the heat. When tooth sensitivity stands in the way of relishing your favorite summertime snack, it is truly painful.

When the protective enamel layer present on your teeth is worn out, the dentin gets exposed. Dentin is just like our bones- it’s hard but still porous. It is made of tiny tubules that act as a passageway to the pulp and nerve of your tooth. Tubules provide signals to the nerve in the form of pain that helps realize that the protective enamel is no more present. The end result is a triggered pain when you have anything too hot or cold.

Tooth sensitivity and damaged enamel have numerous causes. Just check some of the most common causes.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity and Damaged Enamel

 1. Clenching and grinding

Bruxism makes the thin layer of enamel at the gumline fall off, as a result revealing the dentin.

2. Acidic diet

– A diet that is heavy in acidic foods such as citrus fruits and soda can slowly and gradually erode the enamel.

3. Acid reflux

– Reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. If this is a serious issue, the acids can slowly corrode your tooth enamel.

4. Tooth decay

 – A tiny cavity present in the enamel of your tooth is an easy fix. But if left untreated, the decay will gradually eat away the enamel into the dentin, resulting in pain.

5. Hard-bristled toothbrushes or brushing too hard

– When you use a hard-bristled toothbrush or if you apply too much force when you brush, it wears down the tooth enamel and reveals the dentin.

6. Fractured teeth or worn or missing fillings

 – When a tooth is broken or worn or you have broken fillings; it allows liquids, saliva, and food particles to get into the crack or hole in your tooth. Thus, it results in uneasiness. Even a tiny fracture can result in a lot of pain.

Gum disease –

Periodontal disease causes the gums to shrink back. The roots of the teeth are softer than the enamel and they have a higher risk of decay. When anybody suffers from gum disease, the gums start to recede, exposing this sensitive area. This sensitive area can result in excessive sensitivity even while breathing cold air.

Treatment Options

On average, about 1 in 8 people experience periodic tooth sensitivity. Also, there are several ways to treat tooth sensitivity that are fast, painless, and less costly. Based on your extent of sensitivity and cause, the dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste. This is just an initial step to help alleviate pain. There are a number of toothpaste and gels available on the market today with different strengths.  

If the cause is clenching or grinding, you may need to wear an appliance during nighttime to stop further damage to your teeth. Sometimes, more involved processes are crucial to getting rid of sensitivity. Root canals, gum grafts, or crowns may be required to fix this kind of issue.

Tips to avoid teeth sensitivity

In many cases, tooth sensitivity can be prevented by –

  • Using soft toothbrushes suggested by your dentist 
  • Decreasing the intake of acidic foods in your diet
  • Brushing gently and not applying too much force to your teeth 
  • Flossing once daily 
  • Visiting your dentist/hygienist for professional cleanings at least after every six months. 

By working together with your dental expert, you can relish your favorite summer treat, and can also achieve a healthy smile.

Get the Help you need!

You can get in touch with Pacific NW Dental Center, if you want to get the best general dental care in Spanaway, WA. Our reliable dentist in Spanaway will always deliver you the quality care and comfort that you are looking for. We do care about your oral requirements and your precious smile! We’re just a call away.

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