The pain and discomfort of tooth sensitivity isn’t fun.
The inability to enjoy that hot cup of coffee, that yummy ice cream or the sugary softness of cotton candy, can definitely put a damper on your ability to savor foods and drinks.
Tooth sensitivity can range from the inconsistent bearable to the constant excruciating pain that can lower your quality of life.
There are various causes of this kind of sensitivity, including cavities, receding gums and diminishing tooth enamel.
The common characteristic here is that the nerves inside the tooth pulp and/or tooth roots have been exposed.
The teeth need these nerves to get the nutrients to stay strong and healthy. The roots of teeth are what also hold the teeth securely into the jaw bone.
The tooth roots and pulp are not to be exposed and subjected to extreme hot, cold and sweet elements found in foods and drinks.
Tooth Sensitivity Prevention
Receding gums that leave the roots of teeth exposed are caused by gum disease which is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
If the teeth are sensitive and the gums aren’t receding, the reduction of tooth enamel or bacterial infection of the tooth pulp is likely the culprit. Tooth decay is the most common cause of damage to the tooth enamel.
The most fundamental way to prevent sensitive teeth is proper, adequate oral hygiene.
What does proper oral hygiene consist of?
It is the combination of at-home dental care and the regular care and treatment of a dental professional.
At-home dental hygiene is largely understood to include flossing and teeth brushing. Some patients also rinse with mouthwash.
This is correct, but some people treat the details very differently.
One can floss and brush his or her teeth multiple times per day and still get tooth decay or gum disease.
How one goes about their at-home dental hygiene is important.
The sufficient, proper at-home oral hygiene routine dentist recommend are as follows:
- Brush teeth twice a day for two full minutes
- Floss twice a day, making sure to floss both sides of each tooth
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Use alcohol free mouthwash
- Change out your toothbrush every three months
- Use a soft-medium bristled toothbrush
Of course, regular, twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleaning by your dentist is the other part of proper oral hygiene.
If you stick strictly to this kind of at-home routine, you will significantly lower your chances of suffering from teeth sensitivity.
Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
For patients who are already suffering from sensitive teeth, there are a couple treatment options available to reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort.
Minor pains can be treated with enamel-fortifying toothpaste and toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
Moderate and severe pain will require a visit to the dentist office. Tooth decay, a bacterial infection in the mouth, gum disease and other potentially serious health conditions can be the cause of the patient’s ongoing problem.
The dentist will examine the mouth and look for the presence of dental health conditions and offer immediate treatment to help halt the progress of the disease or infection.
Tooth sensitivity has many causes, most of which are due to disease and decay from inadequate oral hygiene. Proper at-home care and regular dental office visits are the most effective ways to stem the causes of tooth sensitivity.
Patients who are suffering from tooth sensitivity, especially those feeling moderate or severe pain, should contact his or her dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment, since this might be the result of a potentially serious dental condition.
