Does drinking a cold beverage cause you dental discomfort? Do you experience a sharp, intense, and short-lived pain every time you brush your teeth? You might have what's called tooth sensitivity. From acidic foods to certain toothpastes, your tooth sensitivity could be caused by a multitude of other factors, which we will list below.
However, you don't need to worry too much about toothache. There are things you can do to reduce tooth sensitivity and improve your oral health. Here's what you could do if you have sensitive teeth and the steps you can follow to get rid of the discomfort caused by this situation.
1. Brushing teeth with vigour.
Brushing too forcefully or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause tooth pain. Over time, by overdoing it in this way, you can damage the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic tubules that lead to your dental nerves.
Dentine contains a large number of pores or tubules filled with tiny nerve endings which originate from the outside of the tooth and reach the dental pulp. These are called dentinal tubules. When these tubules are exposed to extreme temperatures or acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can result. The simplest solution is to change your toothbrush for one with softer bristles and to brush your teeth more gently.
2. Consumption of acidic foods.
If the pathways to the nerves are exposed, acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon juice, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause pain. Avoiding these foods can help you avoid the discomfort of toothache.
3. Teeth grinding and bruxism.
Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, grinding your teeth and bruxism can damage the enamel. Doing so exposes the dentin, or the middle layer of your teeth, which contains the tubules leading to your nerves.
4. Using a teeth-whitening toothpaste.
Many manufacturers add teeth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to these than others. If your toothpaste contains whitening agents, consider switching to one that does not contain these substances.
5. Mouthwash.
Like whitening toothpaste, some mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive – especially if the dentine is exposed. Try rinsing with a neutral mouthwash, or simply stop using mouthwash and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.
6. You have gum disease.
Recurrent gingivitis, which becomes increasingly frequent with age (especially if dental hygiene has been neglected), can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will devise a plan to treat the underlying condition and may also suggest a dental sealing procedure.
7. You have excessive tooth wear.
The purpose of using dental floss and a toothbrush is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. Excessive plaque can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel. Again, your teeth may become more sensitive as they lose the protection provided by the enamel. The solution is to practice good daily dental hygiene and visit the dentist for a descaling every six months – or more frequently if necessary.
8. You had a dental procedure.
It is common to experience some sensitivity after a root canal treatment, a tooth extraction, or the placement of a crown. If symptoms do not disappear after a short period, you should schedule another visit to the dentist, as they could be a sign of infection.
9. The tooth is chipped.
A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to assess your tooth and decide on the correct course of treatment, such as a dental crown or an extraction.
10. Degradation around the margins of fillings.
As time passes, fillings can weaken and break or develop cracks around their edges. It's easy for bacteria to accumulate in these small fissures, which will cause acid build-up and affect the enamel. Be sure to schedule a visit to the dental practice to detect and rectify these types of problems early on.
11. Low temperatures.
When we are outside, breathing abnormally cold air through our mouths can cause teeth to contract and then expand when they return to body temperature. When teeth are exposed to sudden temperature changes, the dentine expands and contracts faster than the enamel, causing stress which can result in the formation of cracks.
These cracks may not be visible and may not compromise the structure of the tooth, however, they can cause uncomfortable sensitivity. The pain you feel in your teeth is caused by the movement of fluid within the dentine tubules, which results in irritation of the nerves. We recommend you read our article on this topic: 8 tips for getting rid of tooth sensitivity during winter.
Tooth sensitivity is treatable. In fact, you might find that using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth helps. However, this formula doesn't work for everybody.
If your tooth sensitivity is extreme and persists regardless of the steps you take, make sure you have visited your dentist for an evaluation.
Only a visit to the dental practice can determine the most likely cause of your tooth sensitivity and the best solution for your particular situation. We look forward to seeing you at Clinica Chiromax for a consultation and a personalised treatment plan to relieve you of the stress and discomfort caused by your tooth sensitivity.
Bibliography
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/10-biggest-causes-of-tooth-sensitivity.aspx