Tips for Dealing with Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity makes it difficult to carry out some daily activities (such as: brushing, eating, and drinking) because of the sharp, temporary pain felt in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are a result of the exposure of the layer covering the root (the cementum) or the layer of a tooth underneath the enamel (the dentin) due to receding gums. This means the protective enamel on the surface of the tooth has been damage and as a result the exposed area responds to hot and cold, and sometimes too sweet and spicy foods, and causes pain.
Symptoms
- Severe pain around the affected tooth or gum region.
- Shiny, red, and swollen gum.
- Being sensitive to hot or cold drinks and foods.
- Tender, discolored, or loose tooth.
- Difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing.
Causes
- Overzealous brushing: brushing your teeth too hard or too long, or with a hard-bristle toothbrush can wear the tooth enamel
- Receding gums: receding gums can expose the sensitive parts of the tooth root. This occurs naturally or through gum disease.
- A cracked or broken tooth: a cracked or broken tooth can cause tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth grinding: grinding of the teeth can wear away the enamel and leave the dentin exposed.
- Dental cleanings or treatments: poor-quality teeth whitening treatments can damage the enamel.
Treatment
- Desensitizing toothpaste: desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds that helps protect nerve endings from irritants.it can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth after several applications.
- Fluoride: fluoride can be applied to the sensitive area to strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce pain.
- Salt water rinse: rinsing the mouth with salt water can reduce the pain of sensitive tooth. It also balances the pH level inside the mouth, reducing the growth of bacterial.
- Cold compress: the application of cold compress or ice water to the affected area may reduce the pain.
- Pain relief medicine: use of pain relief medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce the tooth pain.
- Surgical gum graft: exposed roots can be protected by taken a small amount of from an unaffected part of the mouth and attaching it to the sensitive part. This helps reduce sensitivity.
- Desensitizing or bonding: application of bonding resin to sensitive surfaces can help treat exposed enamel.
Prevention
- Always brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
- Use a soft toothbrush, which prevents gum loss. Your toothbrush should be replaced at any sign of wear.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste. This will remove plaque to clean teeth and provide relief from sensitivity.
- Avoid the intake of acidic and sugary foods and drinks
- Ensure to have regular checkups with your dentist. This is vital if you want to keep your gums and teeth healthy and prevent sensitive teeth pain.
- Use a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding your teeth at night.
People don’t have to live with sensitive teeth. There are several home and clinical remedies that can help alleviate the pain of teeth sensitivity. In a case of severe sensitivity or lack of change after treatment additional treatment may be needed. A visit to dentist five dock is best in such case.
