How to treat tooth sensitivity

If you have sensitive teeth, brushing your teeth, eating, and drinking can cause a brief, sharp pain. Tooth sensitivity can occur due to wear and tear on the tooth enamel or exposure of the tooth roots. Sometimes other factors can cause sensitivity. These can include cavities, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease. Using bleach can also cause tooth sensitivity. If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, contact the dentists at YAREMA DENTAL in Kyiv.

Acidic foods and drinks can remove a small amount of tooth enamel over time. This is especially true for carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and wine. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After you eat or drink something acidic, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth.

What is tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth, the dentin, becomes exposed. This can happen due to erosion (wear) and gum recession (when gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots). The roots of your teeth, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the center of your tooth (the pulp). These dentinal canals allow stimuli—such as hot, cold, or sweet foods—to reach the nerve in your tooth, leading to the pain you feel.

Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of other problems, including caries, gum disease, or a cracked tooth.

What causes sudden tooth sensitivity

Many factors can lead to tooth sensitivity, including:

• Brushing too hard: Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and expose dentin, and can also cause gum recession;
• Gum recession: Some people are genetically predisposed to thin gum tissue, while others develop gum recession as a result of periodontal disease;
• Gum disease: Inflamed and diseased gum tissue can cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface, which leads directly to the nerve of the tooth;
• Cracked teeth: Chipped or broken teeth can fill with bacteria that can enter the pulp, causing inflammation;
• Teeth grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth can damage enamel and expose dentin;
• Teeth whitening products: These products are mainly responsible for increasing tooth sensitivity;
• Age: Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30;
• Plaque buildup: Plaque buildup on root surfaces can cause sensitivity;
• Mouthwash use: Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can contribute to tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of your tooth);
• Acidic foods: Regular consumption of foods high in acid, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion;
• Recent dental procedures: Teeth can become sensitive after fillings, cleanings, and restorations; sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually goes away in four to six weeks.

Does tooth sensitivity mean infection

Not always. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity indicates tooth erosion (wear) or gum recession. But it can also mean that you have a cracked or infected tooth. Toothache related to infection can be dull and aching or sharp and throbbing. If you have severe tooth sensitivity that doesn’t go away, see your dentist right away for further instructions.

Care and Treatment

In some cases, tooth sensitivity goes away on its own, especially if it’s related to a recent dental procedure, such as a filling or root canal. If you have tooth sensitivity that doesn’t go away, see your dentist. You may have worn away enamel or exposed tooth roots. In these cases, you may need treatment to correct the problem.

How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

Treatment depends on the cause. If you experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will need to rule out any serious medical conditions in order to recommend appropriate treatment.

To reduce your risk of tooth sensitivity, use a desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and with regular use, you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try different brands to find the one that works best for you.

Dental procedures that can help reduce tooth sensitivity include:

• dental bonding to cover exposed root surfaces;
• fluoridation varnishes;
• dental sealants;
• root canal treatment: In severe cases of tooth sensitivity, if the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the damaged nerve tissue and reduce sensitivity.

If the root of your tooth has lost gum tissue, you may need gingivoplasty. This is a surgical procedure that can correct the shape, contours, and size of your gums, improve the structure of your soft tissues, and even normalize your metabolism and reduce tooth mobility. Depending on the type of gingivoplasty, a number of different gum problems can be addressed, including root exposure and increased sensitivity.

How to prevent tooth sensitivity:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush;
• Watch your diet: Frequent consumption of foods high in acids can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and expose dentin;
• Avoid grinding your teeth: If you grind your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night;
• Visit your dentist regularly: Get regular professional checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

Several different factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including worn enamel, exposed roots, cavities, cracks, and even recent dental procedures. Whether you need treatment depends on the cause. You can manage mild tooth sensitivity with a desensitizing toothpaste and good oral hygiene. Severe tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession, cavities, or cracked teeth may require treatment. Your dentist can help determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend treatment to resolve the problem.