What Causes Sensitive Teeth, And How Can I Treat Them?

Do you feel sensitivity or pain when you drink cold beverage, hot coffee, or eat ice cream?

If yes, then you may have a common problem known as sensitive teeth.

When you have sensitive teeth, different activities like eating, drinking, or brushing, can cause pain in your teeth which is temporary. Typically, sensitive teeth are the result of damaged tooth enamel and unprotected tooth roots. However, sometimes, other factors may be the cause of tooth discomfort like, a chipped tooth, a cracked tooth, a cavity, gum diseases, or a damaged filling.

Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

Using A Hard Bristles Toothbrush

Brushing with a hard bristles toothbrush can damage your tooth enamel and also your gums can pull away from tooth roots.

Too Much Use Of Acidic Mouthwash

Some people can be too eager about using mouthwash. Some over the counter mouthwashes contain alcohol and acidic compounds that harm your teeth and make it more sensitive. Regularly use mouthwash once or twice a day.

Eating Too Many Acidic Foods

Acidic and citrus foods and juices can wear away at your tooth enamel. Apart from cutting down on the amount of them you eat, you can try cutting the acid in your mouth after eating with a cup of milk or a bit of cheese.

Using A Tooth Whitening Toothpaste

Many whitening toothpaste can contain chemicals that may cause sensitivity. You may need to visit your dentist for a recommendation and switch from whitening toothpaste to one that does not have whitening chemicals.

Grinding Your teeth

The other cause of tooth sensitivity is grinding your teeth which can damaged your top layer of enamel.

Receding Gums

The teeth roots are normally covered by a layer of gum tissue. If gum gingivitis is the problem, then the gums can begin to move away from the root of the tooth and reveal the sensitive area of your teeth, causing sensitivity. Visit emergency dentist in blackburn for the treatment of gum diseases.

Excessive Plaque

The function of brushing and flossing is to remove plaque from your teeth that forms after you eat. An excessive plaque can cause tooth enamel to wear away and your teeth become more sensitive.

Treatments For Sensitive Teeth

When you know the cause, you will have better chance to treat it. If you have sensitive teeth, visit your dentist to find the reason why you have this issue. Professional emergency dentist in Bury can suggest potential treatments.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste can help block the pain related with sensitive teeth. There are many sensitive toothpaste available over the counter. Ask your dentist which toothpaste might be good for you.

Fluoride

Your dentist may use fluoride to sensitive sites of your teeth to build up your tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity pain. Some dentist may also suggest the use of fluoride at home treatment.

Surgical Gum Graft

If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, your dentist may take a small amount of gum tissue from a healthier part of your mouth and attach it to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and also reduce sensitivity.

Desensitizing Or Bonding

The exposed root surface can be treated with bonding resin applied to the sensitive root surfaces. During the procedure, use of a local anesthetic may be needed.

Root Canal

Your dentist may recommend a root canal if other treatments are not effective. It often considered the most successful method to treat and eliminate tooth sensitivity.

John is a contributor and blogger who loves to share his experience and knowledge about all there is on the internet