Tooth sensitivity can be a daily discomfort that affects many individuals. This condition often arises due to exposed dentin, the inner layer of teeth housing nerve endings. Causes can range from aggressive brushing to acidic foods and tooth decay.
In this article, we explore the various causes of teeth sensitivity, professional treatments available, effective home remedies, and dental care habits that can help you manage and alleviate this common dental issue.
With the right knowledge and care, you can take steps to ensure that teeth sensitivity doesn’t disrupt your daily life and oral health.
Quick Guide:
- Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
- Professional Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
- Home Remedies for Teeth Sensitivity
- Dental Care Habits to Limit Teeth Sensitivity
- Managing Teeth Sensitivity
Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is exposed dentin, which is the inner layer of tooth material that encases the nerves. This can happen when enamel—the outermost protective shell of your teeth—wears away due to brushing too hard, acidic foods and drinks, tooth decay or even grinding your teeth at night. This exposes tiny tubes in the dentin which are connected to sensitive nerve endings and will cause pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
Treatments vary depending on what’s causing the sensitivity but generally involve desensitizing products that are applied directly onto the affected part of a tooth such as gels, pastes, varnishes and rinses. These contain ingredients such as fluoride and potassium nitrate that block off small tubules leading to nerve endings in order to reduce discomfort. Additionally, low-abrasive brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help prevent further enamel loss while using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste can also help protect against sensitivity by forming a barrier over sensitive areas. Lastly, if there is extensive enamel wear then restorative treatments like bonding or crowns may be Professional Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
Professional Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
One of the most common professional treatments for teeth sensitivity is a desensitizing toothpaste. These specially-formulated toothpastes contain compounds like potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, and fluoride that are designed to reduce nerve-triggering sensations. Additionally, they can help protect enamel from further damage and make brushing more comfortable. It’s important to note that some people may require several weeks or months of consistent use before experiencing relief from this type of treatment.
Another option for treating teeth sensitivity is an in-office procedure called fluoride varnish application. This technique involves the application of a liquid containing fluoride directly onto the sensitive areas of teeth by a dental professional. The fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and prevent further wear and tear on delicate areas. While this method is generally painless, it may cause some temporary discomfort while the varnish sits on your teeth.
Finally, there are laser treatments available to those with severe cases of tooth sensitivity. Laser treatments involve using high energy light beams to alter the structure and surface layer of your tooth enamel, increase mineral density in dentin tubules (the tiny openings between your dentin and pulp layer), or seal off exposed nerve endings in tubules that are causing pain sensations. Depending on what type of laser treatment you receive, relief from symptoms can be felt almost immediately after one session or gradually over time with multiple sessions required for optimal results.
Home Remedies for Teeth Sensitivity
Using fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective home remedies for treating teeth sensitivity. Fluoride helps to fill any exposed dentin tubules and protect against further damage caused by acidic foods or drinks. It is important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste in order to ensure optimal protection. Additionally, it is also beneficial to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as hard bristles can worsen the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
Using desensitizing agents such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride can also help treat teeth sensitivity at home. These agents work by blocking nerve signals that cause discomfort when consuming cold or hot food and beverages. Desensitizing agents are available in both over-the-counter products and professional treatments from your dentist. Additionally, if you have gum recession due to brushing too hard, using a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine may be beneficial in reducing sensitivity as well as helping promote gum health. Lastly, avoiding acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar can help reduce pain associated with teeth sensitivity over time.
Dental Care Habits to Limit Teeth Sensitivity
Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important part of reducing the sensations associated with tooth sensitivity. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently remove plaque from your teeth and gums without causing irritation or damage. Be sure to brush all sides of your teeth, including the chewing surfaces, tongue and gums.
Flossing regularly can help reduce irritation caused by food particles that get stuck between your teeth or along the gum line where bacteria can build up and cause pain in sensitive areas. Using an interdental cleaner like a water pick can also help break down plaque buildup in hard-to-reach places between the teeth where brushing alone cannot reach.
Limiting acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, vinegar ingredients, alcohols and sodas can also reduce sensitivity by decreasing acid erosion on enamel which then reduces sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures when eating or drinking those items. Additionally, using desensitizing toothpaste with potassium nitrate can help reduce discomfort from sensitive areas of the mouth over time with regular use as it helps fill in exposed dentinal tubules that transmit pain signals when stimulated by temperature or pressure changes in the mouth.
Managing Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity can be a difficult issue to manage without the help of a dental professional. There are various treatments available to help reduce symptoms and improve overall oral health. The best course of action is to visit your dentist for a thorough examination, who will be able to prescribe the most suitable treatment for your individual case. This may include using specialized toothpastes or gels, changing diet and eating habits, or even receiving desensitizing treatments. With the proper care and attention from both yourself and your dentist, you can successfully manage your teeth sensitivity and keep it from impacting your day-to-day life.
Furthermore, it is important to practice good oral hygiene in order to prevent any further damage caused by teeth sensitivity. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste as well as flossing at least once a day will help maintain healthy gums and avoid bad breath caused by bacteria buildup in between teeth and around the gum line. Additionally, avoiding certain foods that can exacerbate sensitivity such as sugar or acidic beverages like coffee should also be avoided where possible when dealing with sensitive teeth. By following these preventive steps you can reduce flare ups associated with sensitive teeth over time while preserving their healthiness too!
