You are not alone if you’ve ever winced as you sipped hot coffee or experienced a sharp pain while eating ice cream. Tooth sensitivity is a problem that affects millions of people in the world. The good news is that numerous solutions exist to find relief and return to enjoying your favourite foods and beverages without discomfort.
So, What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective covering of your teeth (known as enamel) erodes or when your gums retreat. This reveals the underlying softer layer, called dentin. Dentin has small tubes that connect directly to the nerve centre of your tooth. Exposing these tubes to hot, cold, sweet or acidic substances results in pain signals.
The discomfort may be mild or sharp, shooting. Some people experience it only periodically, while others live with it. Either way, tooth sensitivity can turn a simple pleasure like drinking your morning coffee into torture.
Common Causes You Need to Know About
Several factors can cause sensitive teeth. Knowing these causes can assist you in taking measures to avoid further destruction:
- Rough brushing – Brushing with hard-bristle toothbrushes or excessively hard wears away enamel in the long run.
- Foods and drinks that are acidic – Soda, wine, citrus fruits, and tomatoes dissolve protective enamel.
- Teeth grinding – Night grinding puts an enormous strain on the teeth and grinds away enamel.
- Gum disease – Causes gums to recede and expose the root surfaces that are sensitive.
- Natural ageing – The enamel becomes sensitive with time and wears out.
- Fractured teeth – In even small fractures, you expose the inner layers of your teeth.
- New dental procedures – Fillings, crowns, or cleanings may cause you to be more sensitive in the short term.
Daily Tips for Tooth Sensitivity Relief
The journey to tooth sensitivity relief begins with minor adjustments to your daily routine.
- Switch to a soft-bristle brush immediately. Hard ones are better, but they are also painful to your teeth and your gums. Use circular movements rather than back and forth.
- Apply toothpaste designed to take care of sensitive teeth. These special formulas contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which block the transmission of pain signals to the nerves of your teeth. You might need two weeks of consistent use of this toothpaste before you begin to see a significant improvement.
- Change how you drink acidic drinks. Use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. Do not brush your teeth right after eating or drinking something acidic. Wait at least an hour to allow your enamel to reharden. Instead, rinse your mouth with water.
- The temperature also counts. Avoid very hot or cold food where possible. Allow hot drinks to cool a little before taking a sip. Take the ice cream from the freezer for a few minutes to soften it slightly.
Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes home remedies are not sufficient. Professional dental treatment offers more lasting and dramatic results. Your dentist has several effective options at their disposal.
One of the most common methods is fluoride treatments. Your dentist places a high fluoride gel or varnish concentration on the sensitive areas. This aids in making your enamel stronger and less sensitive for a long time. Most people require several sessions with a gap of several weeks between them.
Dental bonding is using a tooth-coloured resin to cover the exposed root surfaces. This forms a shield between your sensitive tooth and external irritants. The process is fast and painless, but the bonding material might have to be replaced after a few years.
In extreme cases, your dentist may prescribe a root canal. This dental sensitivity treatment removes the nerve from your tooth, and sensitivity is gone forever. Although this may sound frightening, contemporary root canal treatment is not as painful as most people would think.
Special Considerations for Teeth Whitening
Many people with sensitive teeth worry they can’t achieve a brighter smile. The fact is that sensitive teeth can be whitened with the help of an appropriate approach. Using lower bleaching agent concentrations, professional whitening procedures can be adapted to sensitive teeth.
Your dentist may also prescribe desensitising gel before and after whitening procedures. This will reduce pain and yet still provide superior results. Another alternative is over-the-counter whitening products that are specifically made to treat sensitive teeth, but they tend to have slower results.
Prevention Strategies That Really Work
The most effective cure for sensitive teeth is preventing the problem from developing in the first place.
- Shield your enamel by restricting acidic food and beverages. When you eat them, wash them with water and wait before brushing.
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth. Your dentist may make a custom-fitted guard that fits and protects your teeth during sleep. There are also over-the-counter alternatives, but custom guards are usually more protective and comfortable.
- Keep up the high standards of oral hygiene, but avoid being aggressive. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Proper dental cleanings will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar that may cause gum recession and sensitivity.
When to Visit Your Dentist
Do not overlook constant tooth sensitivity. Although mild sensitivity can sometimes be resolved with home care, a professional should treat persistent pain. See your dentist when sensitivity affects your ability to eat, drink, or perform daily tasks.
Sudden severe sensitivity may be a sign of a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or some other serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Pain that fails to respond to sensitive teeth pain relief techniques after several weeks should also be a reason to visit a dentist.
Your dentist can determine the precise cause of your sensitivity and prescribe the best treatment method. They may also detect the early symptoms of other dental issues that may deteriorate without appropriate treatment.
Bottom Line
Tooth sensitivity does not need to be in charge of your life. Start with easy modifications – use a soft toothbrush, use sensitivity toothpaste, and be aware of acidic foods. If you do not notice the improvement within weeks, consult a professional.
To get expert tooth sensitivity treatment, visit our Bayswater Dentist. Our team of experienced professionals employs the latest methods to help find the root cause and create effective individual treatment plans.
It is important to note that sensitivity is a condition that needs patience to treat. Most of the solutions require several weeks of regular use before they become effective. Stick with your treatment and wait. Soon you can drink morning coffee and evening ice cream without pain.