Whether it’s the sharp pain from sipping a hot coffee at your favorite local café in Mukilteo or the discomfort from a cold treat, tooth sensitivity can significantly impact your daily life. This article outlines the causes of sensitive teeth and provides effective strategies to help you find relief and enjoy your favorite foods and beverages without worry.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
- Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This exposure can result from erosion (wear and tear) or gum recession. Unlike the rest of your teeth, the roots are not covered by hard enamel. They contain thousands of tiny tubules that lead to the tooth’s center, the pulp.
These dentinal tubules allow stimuli, such as hot, cold, or sweet foods, to reach the nerve in your tooth, causing pain. Tooth sensitivity can also indicate other dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, or a cracked tooth.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can result from various factors, including:
Brushing Too Hard
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive force while brushing can wear down enamel and expose the dentin. This can also contribute to gum recession, where gum tissue pulls away from the teeth.
Gum Recession
- Some individuals are naturally prone to thin gum tissue, while others may experience gum recession due to periodontal disease. This condition exposes the roots of the teeth, which can lead to sensitivity and dental emergencies.
Gum Disease
- Inflamed and sore gums from gum disease can lead to sensitivity by damaging the supporting ligaments and exposing the root surfaces connected to the nerve.
Teeth Whitening Products
- Many whitening products can exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Consult your dentist about options specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
Mouthwash Use
- Certain over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen sensitivity by further damaging exposed dentin. A dentist can recommend a neutral fluoride solution for those with dentin sensitivity.
Acidic Foods
- Regular consumption of highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can erode enamel and lead to sensitivity.
Sensitivity following fillings, cleanings, or restorations is common but typically temporary, subsiding within four to six weeks.
How to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity?
- The treatment for tooth sensitivity depends on the underlying cause. If you experience persistent sensitivity or discomfort, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
They can rule out any serious conditions and recommend appropriate treatment. To reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity caused by normal wear and tear, consider the following tips:
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
- Various brands of toothpaste are designed for sensitive teeth. Regular use can help decrease sensitivity. You should try different brands to find the one that works best for you.
Before bedtime, use your finger or a Q-tip to apply a thin layer of toothpaste to exposed tooth roots. Ensure you use fluoridated toothpaste.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Proper brushing and flossing techniques help keep all parts of your teeth and mouth clean. A soft-bristled toothbrush reduces toothbrush abrasion on the tooth surface and minimizes gum irritation.
Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and expose dentin. These foods may also aggravate sensitivity and trigger pain.
Use Fluoridated Dental Products
- Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can help reduce sensitivity. Ask your dentist in Mukilteo about recommended products for home use.
See Your Dentist Regularly
- Routine professional exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments can help maintain oral health and reduce sensitivity. If discomfort persists, consult your dentist in Everett.
Seeing your dentist regularly can make a difference in keeping your mouth looking and feeling healthy. To book your routine Dental Exams And Cleanings, contact Icon Dental Center at 206-225-2882. Our experienced dentists offer the best dental care. Our clinics are located in Seattle and Everett.