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What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Do you feel discomfort while eating something extremely hot or cold? Do sweet and sour foods also trigger pain sometimes? There is a good chance that you have tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth cause sharp and sudden pain sometimes.

Tooth sensitivity occurs because the inner layer of your teeth gets exposed due to receding gum tissue. This layer is called dentin. Therefore tooth sensitivity is also known as dentin hypersensitivity.

Read on if you wish to gather information on the following:

  • What are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
  • What are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?
  • What are the Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth?
  • How is the Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Done?

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

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Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can develop due to several everyday habits and underlying dental conditions. Identifying the cause is important to finding the right treatment and preventing further discomfort.

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, which may expose the sensitive dentin layer.
  • Frequent Consumption of Sugary and Sticky Foods: Excessive sugary, sticky, or starchy foods increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion that can trigger tooth sensitivity.
  • Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching wears down enamel over time, exposing the dentin and causing sensitivity.
  • Brushing Too Hard: Aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode enamel and lead to gum recession.
  • Gum Recession and Gum Disease: Receding gums expose the tooth roots, making teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
  • Tooth Decay and Cracked Teeth: Cavities, worn fillings, and cracked teeth can expose the inner structures of the tooth and cause pain or sensitivity.
  • Dental Procedures: Teeth cleaning, dental restorations, crowns, and other procedures may cause temporary tooth sensitivity.
  • Acidic Foods and Beverages: Citrus fruits, soft drinks, and other acidic items can gradually wear away enamel and increase sensitivity.
  • Teeth Whitening Treatments: Professional and at-home whitening treatments can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

If you are going through sensitive teeth, you will probably witness the following symptoms:

  • Sensitivity reaction to acidic foods.
  • Sharp pain and discomfort while having sugary food or drinks because of the teeth sensitivity to sugar.
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks resulting in pain or discomfort.
  • Pain & discomfort while brushing and flossing.

What are the Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth?

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You can take care of sensitive teeth pain at home with the help of these home remedies for sensitive teeth:

  • A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your teeth enamel. So if you feel sensitivity in your teeth, immediately switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • If you are in the habit of clenching and grinding teeth, you need to find ways to control it. Visit your dentist for that if needed.
  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages as they dissolve tooth enamel leading to exposed dentin.
  • See your dentist often, at least once or twice a year. They can diagnose any dental health condition in formative days. That helps for quick treatment.
  • Follow the oral hygiene routine suggested by your dentist. Generally, it is brushing twice a day and flossing before going to sleep.
  • Use fluoride-rich mouth rinse and toothpaste. Fluoride gets you relief from sensitive teeth and prevents your teeth from other ailments.
  • Use toothpaste specially made for sensitive teeth. Various brands of desensitizing toothpaste are available in pharmacies and medical stores.

How is the Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Done?

If the home remedies for sensitive teeth are not working, you have many options for tooth sensitivity treatment. Check some of the leading ones here:

  1. Mouth Guard

    If the cause of your sensitive teeth is grinding and clenching of your teeth, using a mouth guard is the best treatment option for you. It prevents the damage which grinding and clenching do to your teeth enamel.

  2. Dental Sealants

    Putting dental sealants means applying a resin coating on your teeth. It protects your teeth from directly coming in contact with the food that causes discomfort. Dental sealant treatment also prevents tooth decay.

  3. Surgical Gum Graft

    Sometimes eroded gum tissues are the reason for sensitive teeth pain. In that case, a surgical gum graft will reduce the sensitivity from the roots of your teeth.

  4. Fixing the Dental Issue

    You can fix the dental issue causing tooth sensitivity through dental procedures like bonding, inlays, and crowns. Your dentist will be the right person to guide you to a suitable fix.

  5. Root Canal

    If the treatments mentioned above didn’t work, it means your dental issue is much deep-rooted. In that case, the root canal treatment is usually the last resort for tooth sensitivity treatment.

Wrapping up!

You don’t need to live with the pain and discomfort of sensitive teeth. If home remedies for sensitive teeth aren’t working, that means there can be a serious underlying cause. Your dentist can diagnose and treat whatever is the reason for your sensitive tooth.

So visit our trusted dentist today and get rid of all painful symptoms of tooth sensitivity. A bright and pain-free smile is waiting for you on the other side!

Concerned about Tooth Sensitivity?

Get Effective Treatment at Coral Dental Care in Salem MA, and nearby areas.

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