What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

Posted by Ishani Sharma on November 5th, 2021

First of all, what is tooth sensitivity? When you eat ice cream or take a sip of coffee, if you feel a sharp sensation in your teeth, this means that you have a common dental condition called tooth sensitivity. Sometimes, if you tend you wince while brushing or flossing, this could also be a result of this dental issue.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

To understand what is tooth sensitivity, we need to look into the reasons that can cause this condition. Most often it is caused due to the wearing away of the enamel of our teeth. The enamel is the strongest substance in the body that plays an important role in protecting the crown of our teeth. Brushing your teeth too hard or consumption of too much acidic food and drinks such as fizzy drinks and citrus-flavoured drinks can cause the enamel to wear off. Other culprits of sensitive teeth include a cracked tooth, gum recession, gum or periodontal diseases and teeth grinding. The cementum is a layer that protects the teeth root under the gum line. Dentine is the layer below the cementum, that is less dense compared to the enamel and cementum. Dentine composes of micro-tubules. When these tubules are exposed, it results in the stimulation of the nerves and cells in the teeth when it comes in contact with hot, cold, and acidic food. This in turn will result in hypersensitivity and temporary tingling sensation. At times, people experience short-term tooth sensitivity because of teeth bleaching treatments too.

How Does Periodontal Diseases Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth, that can be responsible for sensitive teeth. When the periodontal disease is left untreated, it can result in the separation of the gum tissues from the teeth and form spaces called pockets that can be home to bacteria. This disease can get worse until the bone and surrounding dental supporting tissues are impacted resulting in the teeth roots being exposed. When the dentinal roots are exposed, it becomes easier for the nerves in the teeth to get stimulated by whatever substance your teeth come in contact with. In this way, periodontal diseases can cause tooth sensitivity.

What Are the Preventive Measures for Tooth Sensitivity?

Here are a few of the preventive measures for tooth sensitivity you can consider: -

• Clean every part in your mouth, especially along the gumline. Ensure that you maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent tooth decay, gum recession and periodontal diseases.
• Avoid brushing in a side-to-side motion; instead, use small, circular movements. Avoid brushing too aggressively, it may injure your tooth tissues and expose your gums.
• Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush that is dentist-approved and toothpaste that is suitable for sensitive teeth.
• Schedule regular dental checkups every 6 months to detect and treat any possible dental problem

How To Cure Tooth Sensitivity?

The most common and effective way to cure tooth sensitivity is by using desensitizing toothpaste regularly. Use fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of tooth decay and strengthen the worn off the enamel of the teeth. Desensitizing toothpastes contain compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that help block the dentinal tubule and prevent the transmission of sensory signals from the surface of the teeth to their nerves, Thus, relieving you from sensitive teeth.

Now, since you are aware of what is tooth sensitivity, follow the above preventive and curative measures to save yourself from displeasure caused by sensitive teeth.