Guide to Sensitive Teeth
It is likely that you will have incurred some level of sensitive teeth at some stage or other, the case for many people. The sensitivity of the teeth is made apparent when hot and cold food and drinks are consumed. The range of pain that people feel varies. Some people may experience a mild discomfort, while others may experience excruciating pain that can last more than an hour.
What are sensitive teeth?
As said above, sensitive teeth can be a problem that causes mild discomfort every now and then or it may be a problem that plagues a person throughout their day. This condition occurs when the enamel covering the teeth is uncovered, which leads to pain when the exposed teeth come into contact with hot or cold substances.
Anyone can suffer from sensitive teeth, but it is more apparent in those aged between twenty and forty. There is also more of an inclination toward women experiencing sensitive teeth. If you experience sensitive teeth then it may be an early warning sign of some other underlying dental problem, and should be taken as a sign to step up your level of dental care.
What causes sensitive teeth?
The causes of sensitive teeth are numerous. They include:
- Gum disease - If you are experiencing sensitive teeth then this may be an early sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as gum disease.
- Too much brushing - There is such a thing as too much brushing. This may be due to the fact that you are being too forceful when brushing your teeth, which can lead to the enamel wearing away, or may be because you are brushing your teeth for too long.
- Mouthwash - One of the reasons why you should be careful of which mouthwash you use is that some have been linked to the condition of sensitive teeth. Our section on mouthwash holds some solid advice.
- Cracked tooth - If you have cracked your tooth, by way of a freak accident or merely due to bacteria eating away at your teeth, then germs can quickly gather. This will lead to inflammation and sensitive teeth.
- Tooth erosion - If you eat or drink too many sugary products or those high in acidity, then this can lead to erosion of dental enamel. This will leave the tooth exposed, which can make it sensitive to any contact with hot or cold substances.
- Teeth grinding - If you grind away at your teeth on a regular basis then this can lead to the enamel of the teeth fading away.
- Teeth whitening side-effects - There are some teeth whitening products that have been linked to symptoms of sensitive teeth arising. This is apparent in home treatment and those given at the dentist. You should make sure that you do not have your teeth whitened too regularly to prevent this problem.
- A visit to the dentist - If you have recently had dental treatment, such as a crown replacement, then this may lead to temporary sensitivity to the teeth. The pain will typically fade away within a week or two. If not, then there may be an underlying problem.
How to prevent sensitive teeth
The sensitivity of teeth can easily be prevented. All you need to do is make sure you follow and stick to the advice given below:
- A fluoride mouthwash may help to improve the state of your tooth enamel.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, and make sure that you also floss and use mouthwash.
- Do not brush your teeth with too much aggression or for too long. Also, make sure that you change your toothbrush every couple of months or so.
- Limit your intake of food and drinks high in sugar and acidity. A straw can help to lessen the exposure of such drinks to the teeth.
- A mouth guard may be necessary if you grind your teeth on a regular basis. Your dentist can offer advice on such matters.
- Teeth whitening should be treated with caution and not done too regularly.
- Be careful of your teeth when eating tough food, which can cause cracks in the teeth.
