Sensitive Teeth and How to Treat Them

What are sensitive teeth? Sensitive teeth can range from experiencing a mild twinge to excruciating pain that may continue for a matter of hours.  If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, you may want to visit your dentist to see if there is an underlying cause to your pain.

Anyone can suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time during your lifetime.  So what exactly causes your teeth to become so sensitive?  There are numerous reasons, but the most common is when the enamel of your teeth wears away and the dentine beneath becomes exposed. 

 

There are many reasons why the enamel on your teeth may be become thinner or erodes away.

·         Brushing too hard and brushing your teeth from side to side can cause the dentine to be worn away.  This would cause the sensitivity at the areas where the toothbrush abrasion has occurred. 

·         Dental erosion is another reason many of us suffer from tooth sensitivity.  The loss of tooth enamel can occur from acidic drinks or food. 

·         Gum recession and gum disease are also causes of tooth sensitivity. When the gums have receded away from the tooth and the roots become visible, this makes the area around the gums and at the base of the teeth very sensitive. 

·         Another reason teeth become sensitive is if you grind your teeth. When you are sleeping and your teeth grind together, the enamel of the tooth can be worn away causing sensitivity. 

·         Other causes could be from a cracked or broken tooth, or if you have used tooth bleaching products.

You will feel these sensitivities most when you drink something cold, or from cold hair hitting your teeth when you breathe in.  Sometimes hot, sugary or acidic foods and drinks can also cause pain.

If you want to try over the counter products to ease the pain of sensitive teeth, there is a plethora of different toothpastes or mouthwashes you can try. There are also products available that you can rub directly on the sensitive tooth.  If after using these products for a couple of weeks you have not had any improvement you will probably want to visit your dentist to see if there is an underlying cause for the tooth pain.

Dentists can use fluoride gels, rinses, or special varnishes that can add protection to the tooth where the enamel has become worn down.  If this also doesn’t help, your dentist may seal or fill in around the neck of the tooth where the roots have become exposed.