Sensitive Teeth Treatment
What are sensitive teeth? More commonly referred to as dentin hypersensitivity can be defined by sharp pains of short duration (few seconds) that come from exposed inner layer that contains the nerve of the tooth found beneath the hard outer enamel layer (dentine). Individuals that experience sensitive teeth may find that pain can be triggered by hot, cold, sour and sweet beverages or foods, vigorous brushing and even by cold air.
Teeth hyper sensitivity can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours.
What causes sensitive teeth?
The inner dentin layer is composed of thousands of tiny hollow tubes that are filled with fluid. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of the fluid within the dentin tubes which results in nerve irritation. When the hard outer layer of enamel is worn down or if the gums have receded, the surfaces of these tiny tubes can become exposed, resulting sharp pain.
Gum Recession
Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), and the roots will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.
Dental erosion
This is loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack from acidic food and drinks. Acid softens the enamel and makes it more prone to wear away. If enamel is worn away the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to sensitivity.
Tooth Decay
Often the first sign of a cavity (hole) can be sensitivity to hot or cold. It is extremely important to get sensitive teeth checked as root canal treatment may be required if the hole is not dealt with quickly.
Gum Disease
A build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worsens
Tooth Grinding
This is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive.
Cracked teeth or fillings
Although a tooth may not physically be broken, a crack can run from the biting surface of a tooth down towards the root. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort.
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Home remedies for sensitive teeth and gums
- Avoid excessively cold or hot food or drink!
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as tomatoes, soda or orange juice
- Try using sensitive tooth paste, such as Sensodyn.
- Avoid using whitening products. Including whitening mouth wash, tooth paste, gel or white strips.
- Apply fluoride gel or tooth paste topically and use fluoride mouth rinse such as ACT. If you have a whitening tray, you can use it to better place fluoride gel or paste on the tooth.
- Clove oil is a natural option for sensitive teeth and gums – soak cotton swab and compress the affected area. You can also rest clove
- Switch to a soft bristle tooth brush or an electric tooth brush
Dentine Hypersensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the layer of a tooth underneath the enamel (called the dentin) or the layer covering the root (called cementum) is exposed along the gum line due to receding gums. The exposed areas respond to hot and cold, and sometimes too sweet and spicy foods, and trigger pain.
The proper brushing technique is to:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Sensitive Teeth Remedy
If you experience pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic food and beverages, you’re not alone.
The best sensitive teeth remedy is brushing twice a day with Fluoride toothpaste. The fine particles of the toothpaste slowly dissolve to form a tooth-like mineral, called fluorapatite – the Armour For Teeth. This layer of protection is 10 times more resistant to acid attack from eating and drinking sugary foods than regular toothpaste. Fluoride also penetrates & seals the exposed pores (tubules) in dentine that leads to pain when consuming hot and cold drinks.