THESE ARE THE REASONS YOU ALWAYS EXPERIENCE TEETH SENSITIVITY

Teeth sensitivity can occur as a result of receding gums. Teeth sensitivity is a painful condition that occurs when the soft dentine inside the tooth gets exposed. Dentine is full of tiny holes that lead directly to the nerve at the center of the tooth. 

Do you know that people used to believe tooth pain was caused by tooth worms?

Many people believed that worms lived in the gums and that these worms were both responsible for boring holes into the teeth. And also causing cavities. They also believed that when it moved it caused pain. All this was before modern science. Modern science has been able to debunk this theory and we now know poor dental hygiene is to blame for cavities and teeth sensitivity.

Do you ever feel pain or discomfort after taking a bite or while sipping on a hot or cold liquid? If so, you’re not alone. While pain caused by hot or cold foods could be a sign of a cavity, it’s also more common in people who have sensitive teeth.

Teeth sensitivity is otherwise known as “dentin hypersensitivity,”. And it feels exactly how it sounds. Pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures.

WHAT DOES TEETH SENSITIVITY FEEL LIKE?

When described by most people, it is a short, sharp sensation that they get after having something hot or cold or something sweet. But this physical discomfort is just the beginning of the peril when it comes to the impact of sensitivity.

The most commonly experienced triggers are: 

• While brushing or flossing teeth
• When alcohol-based mouthwash is used
• Coldwater dental routine cleanings 
• When hot foods and beverages are taken
• Acidic foods and beverages
• Cold foods and beverages

CAUSES OF TEETH SENSITIVITY

Although some people naturally have more sensitive teeth than others. This can be due to having thinner enamel. Your enamel is made up of mineralized tissues. The enamel helps us tear and chew food. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it. The tooth’s enamel can be worn down from;

• Using teeth as tools. The enamel helps us tear and chew food but what happens when they are being used as tools? They start chipping and cracking. When under pressure they can chip and subsequently decay due to plaque and bacteria and become brittle. It’s of essence to understand that your teeth are not tools.
• Brushing your teeth too hard can also cause teeth sensitivity. Brush your teeth the proper way.
• Using the wrong texture of a toothbrush can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. Paying attention to the bristles of your toothbrush is one way to avoid teeth sensitivity. When the bristles of a toothbrush are too strong please totally avoid them. Constant use leads to teeth sensitivity. 
• Regular intake of acidic beverages and foods can cause teeth sensitivity. Acidic foods include; cashew, oranges, lemons, etc. They make the teeth very sensitive.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), can cause acid to come up from the stomach and esophagus. This may wear down teeth over time.
• Conditions that cause frequent vomiting which include gastroparesis and bulimia can cause acid to wear down the enamel and result in teeth sensitivity. 

HOW CAN TOOTH SENSITIVITY BE TREATED?

This totally depends on the severity of the dental condition. If the tooth sensitivity is mild, you can try over-the-counter dental treatments. 

• Go for kinds of toothpaste that are labeled as being specifically made for sensitive teeth. These kinds of toothpaste don’t have ingredients that irritate your teeth. They may also have desensitizing ingredients that help block the discomfort from traveling to the nerve of the tooth.
• Also, choosing an alcohol-free mouth rinse that is less irritating to sensitive teeth helps reduce teeth sensitivity. Ensure that the bristles on your toothbrushes are softer. 
•  Brushing more gently can also help reduce teeth sensitivity. 

If these treatments don’t work, then it’s necessary to talk to your dentist about prescription toothpaste and mouthwash. They may also apply fluoride gel or prescription-grade desensitizing agents in-office. These can help to strengthen the enamel and protect your teeth.

Book an appointment with Bellevue Dental Clinic to put an end to all forms of recurring teeth sensitivity. Give us a call on 08091149418 in order to book an appointment to speak with one of our specialists. Click here to learn more about us.