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How To Deal With Tooth Sensitivity
Cronic tooth sensitivity can be one of the worst things you can experience.
If you are struggling with sensitive teeth, you are not alone.
Tooth sensitivity affects at least 40 million adults, and the problem can manifest at any point, even suddenly.
Although most people associate having sensitive teeth with the pain, one gets when drinking beverages that are too hot or cold, teeth sensitivity can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to experiencing severe discomfort for hours on end.
More commonly, tooth sensitivity affects individuals aged between 20 and 40 years even though it has also been known to affect children in their early teens.
Teeth sensitivity also affects women more than it does men. When left to persist, teeth sensitivity can point to signs of more serious dental concerns.
Sensitive Teeth Causes
In many instances, when individuals suffer from teeth sensitivity, it is often because the protective layer that covers the enamel has become worn out or is in the process of eroding away.
When this occurs, the dentin, which is the area of the tooth that is filled with all those painful nerve endings, can become exposed.
Upon exposure, conditions such as spicy, hot or cold, acidic or sticky food can reach the nerve endings located in the tooth, causing extreme pain.
Other conditions that can cause the dentin to crack include cracked teeth, root and enamel erosion, as well as gum recession. Other factors that may cause you to have tooth sensitivity include:
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Brushing your teeth with too much gusto might be what is causing your teeth sensitivity issues.
This cause of teeth sensitivity might seem counterintuitive at first.
However, the pressure and the stiffness of your bristles may be wearing down the protective layers of the teeth. Thus, effectively exposing the canals that lead to your dental nerves.
Although the dentin may not have become exposed yet, extreme temperatures, as well as acid or sweet food can cause distress.
Over Indulging In Acidic Foods
Foods that contain high amounts of acidity such as tomato sauce, grapefruit, pickles, kiwi, and lemon can also cause the upper protective later to become eroded.
When the pathways to your nerves are exposed, it can cause sensitivity in your tooth.
Here is a sample list of acidic foods. For a full list of acidic foods, visit https://nutrineat.com/list-of-acidic-foods
* White flour
* Sugar
* Artificial sweeteners
* Ready-made meals
* processed meats
* Alcohol, Beer & Wine
* Carbonated drinks
* Coffee
* Cakes
* Cheese
* Ice cream
* Milk
* MSG
Grinding Your Teeth
Even though the enamel is one of the strongest materials in your body, continually grinding your teeth can put you at risk of suffering from teeth sensitivity.
Teeth grinding will expose not only your dentin but also the middle layer of the tooth.
Individuals who grind their teeth can wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
A lot of tooth whitening products are manufactured using harsh chemical formulas that promise to make your teeth whiter.
Some over the counter mouth rinses and washes also contain chemicals that make your teeth sensitive.
Rather than rely on such whitening agents, consider sticking with neutral fluoride rinses or rely on regular flossing and brushing to keep your teeth pearly white.
Plaque Buildup
An excessive buildup of plaque can cause your enamel to become eroded. The weaker your enamel becomes, the less protection against the elements that can it can provide you. As such, to avoid teeth sensitivity all together, the solution lies in practicing daily dental care.
Decay Around Your Fillings
If you have fillings, the longer that you have them on, the more they are bound to weaken, leak, or fracture near the edges. Bacteria can accumulate around the fillings causing a buildup of acid, as well as the deterioration of the enamel. A professional can replace filings easily just as long as the individual remains vigilant and consistent with dentist checkups.
How To Deal With Tooth Sensitivity
Invest in The Right Toothpaste
There are many different types of toothpaste today, all which promise to deliver the best results.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, you should talk to your doctor about recommending toothpaste explicitly manufactured to help people with teeth sensitivity. Such desensitizing toothpaste contains potassium nitrate that blocks the nerve endings in your dentin.
Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Try to apply just the right amount of pressure whenever you are scrubbing your teeth.
Brush your teeth correctly using a soft bristle toothbrush and apply a gentle side to side motion to keep the protective layer intact.
Avoid Bad Foods That Lead To Teeth Sensitivity
Sometimes taking care of your teeth sensitivity issue is just as easy as avoiding bad foods such as candy and foods that have high concentrations of acidity which can easily attack your enamel.
Instead, you should consume foods that are high in fiber such as fruits and veggies as well as protein to keep your enamel strong and healthy. If acidity is affecting your teeth, try a desensitizing gel that can increase your resistance to acidic bacterial and food.
Chew Sugarless Gum
When you chew sugarless gum, it stimulates your body to produce more saliva, which works to make the enamel harder and stronger. Do not chew sugary gum, as it will inevitably worsen your sensitive tooth condition.
See a Dentist For Help
Dentists have the skills and the experience to handle sensitive teeth through a range of medical treatments and procedures.
Doctors can talk to you about installing protective barriers made from a variety of materials over your sensitive teeth. These barriers can last anywhere from months to years depending on the construction material utilized.
Please note that when you go to see your dentist, he or she will offer suggestions that will work for you because there is no one size fits all approach to dealing with tooth sensitivity.
Proper diagnosis by a trained professional is essential for finding the right solution. There are some treatments available, and each dentist has their favorites.
