What Should You Know About Tooth Sensitivity?

Posted by Ananya Singh on May 4th, 2022

Do you get a sharp and stinging sensation every time you eat ice-cream or take a sip of hot coffee? Does brushing or flossing your teeth make you wince sometimes? If yes, it means you have sensitive teeth. This is a common dental condition faced by people of all ages in India. Though the sensation is short-term, it can be a nuisance, preventing you from enjoying your favorite food. Dentists regard the usage of sensitivity toothpaste as an effective sensitive teeth treatment.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when a hot or cold stimuli reaches your tooth\'s exposed nerve endings. Fundamentally, a tooth has a protective layer of enamel covering the crown of your tooth, which is the part above the gum line. Below the gum line is the cementum that protects the tooth root. Below both the enamel and the cementum is a vital tissue known as dentin. This tissue has the ability to respond to pathologic and physiologic stimuli.

Dentin is comparatively less dense than the enamel and cementum. It composes of numerous microscopic tubules or small hollow tubes or canals. When the protective covering of enamel or cementum on dentinal tubules wears off or when the gum is receded, heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods tend to easily reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This results in dental hypersensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Prior to choosing a sensitive teeth treatment, it’s good to know the possible causes of teeth sensitivity, include:

• Harsh brushing and usage of a hard-bristled toothbrush – It wears down the enamel and causes gum recession, exposing the dentine.
• Gum recession - This is a condition that people suffering from gum disease such as gingivitis experience. It exposes the dentinal tubes, thus, causing dental hypersensitivity.
• Cracked teeth - Cracks tend to be filled with bacteria due to plaque accumulation and cause inflammation of the pulp of the tooth. When the condition gets worse, it may lead to abscesses and oral infection.
• Teeth grinding or clenching - It can wear down the teeth\' enamel.
• Excessive use of mouthwash – Generally, over-the-counter mouthwashes tend to contain acids. Exposure of the teeth and gums to acids can worsen existing sensitive teeth and damage the dentin layer.
• Acidic foods - These can erode the teeth\' enamel.
• Dental procedures – Professional cleaning, bleaching, root planning, crown replacement, and other dental procedures can make your teeth sensitive. Usually, you will experience tooth sensitivity for about four to six weeks.

How Can Teeth Sensitivity Be Treated?

Fortunately, sensitive teeth treatment is easy and can improve the condition effectively.

First and foremost, the most common treatment for sensitive teeth is using a desensitizing toothpaste that contains fluorides. Sensitivity toothpastes are formulated with certain components that help in blocking the transmissions of signals from the surface of the tooth to the nerves. By using a doctor-recommended sensitive toothpaste regularly twice a day, you can significantly reduce tooth sensitivity.

Do you brush your teeth very harshly? Harsh brushing might take off more than just plaque formed. Side-to-side brushing at the gum line might make your enamel corrode faster. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline to maintain a clean and strong enamel.

Further, it\'s very important to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent sensitive teeth. Contact your dentist if you have any questions to ask about your daily oral routine or any concerns you have regarding your sensitive teeth treatment.