Teeth sensitivity happens when you consume hot, cold, sour or sweet foods and drinks or by breathing cold air. Toothache can be sudden, sharp and shoot deep into the endings of tooth nerve. Some treatments are – desensitizing toothpaste dental bonding and fluoride.
About teeth sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity takes place when the underlying teeth layer known as the dentin gets exposed. This can occur due to erosion and gum recession when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth by exposing tooth root.
The teeth roots which are not covered by hard enamel have thousands of small tubules leading to tooth’s center or the pulp. These dentinal tubules enable stimuli to reach the nerve in your tooth which causes pain you feel. Dental sensitivity can be the reason for other issues such as cracked tooth, gum disease or cavities.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Different factors may be the reason for your sensitive teeth. Some of these are the following:
- Brushing extremely hard – When you brush very hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, this can wear down the tooth enamel and cause dentin to be exposed in due course. It can be the reason for gum recession when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth.
- Gum recession – Some people are genetically prone to thin gum tissue while others suffer from gum recession due to periodontal disease. Due to gum recession, the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth by exposing the roots.
- Gum disease – The sore and inflamed gum tissue can be the reason for sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments. This exposes root surface that leads directly to the tooth nerve.
- Cracked teeth – Broken or chipped teeth can fill with bacteria from plaque and enter into the pulp leading to inflammation.
- Teeth grinding – Clenching or grinding teeth can wear down the enamel and expose your underlying dentin.
- Teeth whitening products – The whitening products can help to eliminate the problem of sensitivity in your teeth. If you want to brighten smile, see a dentist about teeth whitening for the sensitive teeth.
- Age factor – Teeth sensitivity is the highest when you are in the age group of 25 to 30.
- Plaque accumulation – The presence of plaque on the root surface may lead to sensitivity.
- Mouthwash use – There are over-the-counter mouthwashes which have acids in them that can worsen teeth sensitivity when you suffer from exposed dentin. The acids can cause damage to the dentin layer of your tooth. When you experience dentin sensitivity, ask the dentist about using a neutral fluoride solution.
- Acidic foods – Daily food consumption with higher content of acid such as – tea, pickles, tomatoes and citrus fruits may cause erosion of the tooth enamel.
- Recent dental methods – People can suffer from sensitive teeth after cleanings, dental restorations and fillings. The sensitivity caused by dental treatment is temporary which usually goes away within four to six weeks.
Can a sensitive tooth mean infection?
Not always as teeth sensitivity may sometimes denote tooth erosion or gum recession. But it can mean you have infected or cracked tooth. The infection-causing tooth pain may be achy, dull and throbbing. If you are suffering from extreme sensitivity to your teeth which do not go away, then you need to see a dentist immediately.
Will sensitive toothache go away?
Yes, there are cases when teeth sensitivity goes away on its own particularly when it happens due to recent dental method such as root canal or filling. If you have teeth sensitivity that does not go away, then it is important to see a dentist. You might have worn exposed teeth root or enamel and require treatment to address the concern.
How can you avoid sensitive toothache?
The treatment will depend on your exact cause. When you experience lingering teeth discomfort or sensitivity, make sure you fix an appointment with the dentist. They will have to exclude serious conditions so they can suggest the most appropriate treatment.
To lessen the risk of teeth sensitivity due to normal wear and tear, you need to do these things:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste – You will find different brands of toothpaste for your sensitive teeth. With daily use, you will notice a decrease in the sensitivity. You may try several brands to find out the product that will work the best for you. Try to spread thin layer of the toothpaste on your exposed tooth root with the finger or Q-tip before going to bed. Make sure you use fluoridated toothpaste only.
- Maintain better dental hygiene – You need to follow proper brushing and flossing methods for cleaning all parts of your teeth and mouth thoroughly.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This will cause less abrasion to your toothbrush on the surface and cause less irritation to the gums.
- Watch what you eat – The consumption of highly acid foods often may dissolve tooth enamel and cause dentin exposure. They can aggravate tooth sensitivity and begin with pain reaction.
- Use fluoridated dental products – Regular use of fluoridated mouth rinse can lessen the problem of sensitivity. Visit a dentist about available products for home use.
- Do not grind teeth: When you clench and grind teeth, it is advisable to use a mouth guard during the night.
- Visit a dentist regularly – You will have to conduct routine examinations, cleanings and fluoride treatments on a routine basis.
In the case you are still experiencing discomfort, see a dentist right away. Other dental procedures that can help to lessen the problem of sensitivity include –
- Dentin sealers applied to your exposed surface of the tooth root
- Fluoride varnishes applied to exposed root surface
- Dental bonding to cover the exposed root surface
When should you see a dentist for teeth sensitivity?
Book an appointment with the dentist if you have teeth sensitive to:
- Hot
- Cold
- Sweets
Several factors might be the reason for your teeth sensitivity. This can be worn out enamel, cracks, tooth cavities, exposed roots and recent dental methods. Whether you require treatment will depend on your exact problem you are facing. You may suffer from mild sensitive teeth with good oral hygiene and desensitizing toothpaste. Extreme teeth sensitivity due to cracked teeth, cavities or gum recession may require proper treatment. Your reliable private dentist in London will be able to determine the cause of sensitive teeth and suggest the right treatment to address the concern quickly.
