What is the Reason for Tooth Sensitivity and Can It Be Addressed?

Posted by Ananya Singh on March 29th, 2022

Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity and may not be aware of what is causing the sensitivity. There are several reasons why one can develop sensitive teeth. Some of the reasons could be enamel erosion, where the enamel on the tooth gradually wears away to expose the dentine underneath. Brushing your teeth too vigorously can also cause enamel erosion. Eating acidic food could be another cause of tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, there are several ways to temporarily manage tooth discomfort. You can opt for sensitive teeth treatment to help you in the long run. A regular oral care regimen and healthy dietary habits can also alleviate some sensitivity. Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups is also necessary, as your dentist can recommend the best sensitive toothpaste to help you deal with whatever discomfort you experience.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity with The Right Toothpaste

A toothpaste generally contains active and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are for therapeutic purposes and make toothpaste more effective. Inactive ingredients improve the taste or consistency of the toothpaste. Some of the common inactive ingredients used are flavouring, thickening agents, abrasives, and detergents. If you are looking for the best sensitive toothpaste, there are certain ingredients to look out for, such as potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride. Potassium nitrate prevents the nerves in your teeth from being affected by external stimuli like hot and cold food and drinks. Stannous Fluoride reacts with the enamel on the tooth to produce a repairing layer over the vulnerable areas of your teeth. This protective layer helps shield against sharp sensations caused by sensitivity.

Suitable Treatment Options to Help Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Once you get a check-up and diagnose your dental issue, you will accordingly be prescribed remedies for treating tooth sensitivity. Here are a few recommended treatment options:

• If you have tooth decay and cavities, then opt for fluoride treatment, which will help to restore some of the enamel that is worn off from your teeth.
• There are other remedies such as bonding used for enamel erosion. A substance called resin is applied as a layer over the affected tooth to cover up discolorations and protect the tooth from further damage. Once enamel starts wearing off, it is difficult to grow back, which is why it is better to prevent enamel erosion before it occurs.
• In case you have a dental abscess, a dentist will have to clean the area and drain any fluid collected in the abscess. In severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted, or you may require a root canal procedure.
• To treat gum recession, the dentist will have to scale or remove the plaque and tartar that is built up over the tooth. This treatment will cause the gum tissue to heal and grow back and cover the exposed roots.

How To Prevent Long-term Dental Problems?

Let’s look at a few ways to manage tooth sensitivity on a daily basis.

1. Schedule a regular dental check-up at least twice a year.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day with a sensitive formula toothpaste and floss once a day to prevent the build-up of plaque.
3. Brush your teeth gently and use soft bristle brushes if your gums are sensitive. These tooth brushing techniques can also prevent enamel erosion.

Ultimately, for treating tooth sensitivity effectively, make sure you get regular dental check-ups and maintain good oral hygiene, use specialised toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and review and change your food choices if necessary.