Teeth Sensitivity

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth? Toothache and teeth sensitivity are the most common reasons people visit the dentists. According to some studies, over 50% of the people are suffering from teeth sensitivity. Their teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, acidic and sweet foods/ drinks. Are you suffering from this problem as well? How much do you know about teeth sensitivity?

What is Teeth Sensitivity?

Teeth sensitivity (also known as dental sensitivity or dentinal sensitivity) is commonly defined as pain that is caused by the exposure of  dentine layer of the teeth (the second layer of the teeth) to the external environment in the mouth. Sensitivity and/or pain of these teeth occur when external stimuli such as hot, cold, acidic and sweet foods/drinks are applied to them.

What Are The Causes Of Teeth Sensitivity?

Teeth sensitivity occurs when the dentinal layer of the teeth are exposed to the external environment within the mouth. There are various situations which could lead to the dentine exposure, thus resulting in teeth sensitivity. Some of the common causes are discussed below:

• Teeth Whitening Or Bleaching Treatment.
  • Bleaching agent such as  peroxide are being applied to surface of the teeth during the teeth whitening procedure. When peroxide reaches the pulpal nerves within your teeth, teeth sensitivity results. However, teeth sensitivity caused by whitening procedure usually goes away within few days time.
• Gum Recession.
  • Gum recession happens when the margin of the gum that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, thus exposing the previously protected dentine layer.
• Wrong Toothbrushing Method
  • Brushing your teeth too hard, using toothbrush with hard bristles, or using very abrasive toothpaste could cause teeth abrasion, thus exposing the dentine layer.
• Frequent Intake Of Acidic Food And/Or Drinks
  • Frequent intake of acidic food and drinks (such as soft drinks, citric juices, soda and etc.) result in erosion and decalcification of teeth, causing dentine exposure and thus teeth sensitivity.
• Excessive Biting Forces
  • Biting or chewing hard can result in tooth wear (such as teeth attrition), which might expose the dentine layer and thus resulting in dentinal sensitivity.
  • Excessive biting forces can be caused by accidental occlusal trauma or poor oral habits such as teeth grinding (Bruxism).

How To Prevent Teeth Sensitivity?

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some of the practical tips that are able to prevent teeth sensitivity from occuring at the first place.

• Brush your teeth with the correct tooth brushing method.
• Use toothbrushes with soft bristles.
• Avoid using toothpastes which contain high levels of abrasives.
• Floss your teeth for at least once daily.
• Prevent excessive intake of acidic foods and drinks.
• Visit your dentists for regular dental check up.

What Are The Treatment Options Available For This?

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, here are some of the treatments available to relieve your sensitive teeth.

• Apply dentine sealers or fluoride varnishes over the surface of exposed teeth roots by dental surgeon.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste for toothbrushing.
• Use fluoride rinse, fluoride gel or toothpaste with high fluoride content which is specifically formulated for teeth sensitivity relief.
• Placement of dental fillings to cover the surfaces of exposed dentine by dental surgeon.
• Placement of crown or laminate veneer to cover the surfaces of exposed dentine by dental surgeon.
• If teeth sensitivity is caused by grinding habit, mouth guard should be used to reduce the grinding effect.

The treatments of choice depend on the individual condition of each patient. It is important to consult and discuss with your dentists to figure out the treatment that is most suitable to you.

Tags

• sensitive teeth
• teeth sensitivity
• treatment