Some people experience pain or discomfort after eating a scoop of hot soup or a piece of ice cream, which could suggest the presence of a cavity. But it’s especially common in people with sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity, also termed as “dentin hypersensitivity,” is a type of pain that emerges when nerves in your teeth are exposed, and it gets worse when you eat or drink something cold or warm. It could be a temporary or a chronic issue, and your negligence could exacerbate it in any case. It could impact just one tooth today, but multiple teeth in the future. It will cause all of your teeth to become sensitive over time, prompting treatment. So why not investigate it right away and take care of your dental hygiene as well?
It’s critical to figure out what’s causing your sensitivity before you can get help. In the meantime, you can attempt several home remedies to relieve the pain until your next dentist check-up. Regular dental visits are just as vital as doctor visits, especially if you have a dental problem. This also helps to maintain your teeth and smile healthily.
What Causes Sensitivity?
What causes this? What triggers your teeth to respond to pressure, as well as hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods? Since teeth can become sensitive due to a variety of reasons, including trauma or dental illness, which can destroy tooth pulp and necessitate a root canal operation to relieve the pain, it’s critical to determine what’s causing a patient’s discomfort.
If a tooth has been “bruised,” or if it has been cleaned, filled, or otherwise treated at the dentist’s office, it might become sensitive to even slight pressure.
It can take weeks or even months for this type of sensitivity to subside. People can also produce dental discomfort by grinding their teeth or squeezing their jaws tightly. It isn’t crucial if this type of pressure sensitivity occurs only once or twice and isn’t consistent. Time is all that is required for the tooth or teeth to recover from the trauma. When pressure sensation persists, you should visit your dentist to rule out a break, crack, or decaying tooth.
Home Remedies
1. Avoid scrubbing your teeth too vigorously
Do you vigorously brush your teeth? It’s possible that you’re removing more than just plaque. Brushing your teeth side to side at the gum line can help your enamel wear away faster. Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums with a soft-bristled brush to keep enamel clean and healthy.
2. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Toothpaste designed specifically for treating dental sensitivity can be beneficial. The majority of this toothpaste contains an agent that fills microscopic gaps in your enamel and dentin for a short period. This minimizes the exposure of your teeth’ sensitive nerves.
3. Only use Soft Toothbrushes.
Changing your toothbrush is a simple technique to alleviate dental pain. You may be exacerbating your issue if you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Enamel is damaged by stiff brushes and abrasive toothpaste, resulting in tiny holes and increased sensitivity.
4. Acidic foods and beverages should be avoided.
All of your favorite sodas, sticky candies, and high-sugar carbs destroy enamel. Replace coffee with green or black tea, or chew sugarless gum. Don’t rush to brush your teeth after eating something acidic. Allow the mixture to thicken for about an hour before scrubbing.
Dental Treatment for Teeth Sensitivity
Let’s take a look at some of the best treatments available. We recommend speaking with your dentist to determine which medication is best for you.
- Desensitization of toothpaste – It is available over-the-counter and anywhere oral care products are accessible. Sensitive tooth pain might be relieved with desensitizing toothpaste.
- Surgical gum transplant: A surgical gum graft may be recommended by your dentist if you have exposed roots or recessive gum tissue. This simple treatment removes a small amount of gum tissue from one area of the mouth, such as the palate, and reattaches it to the area where the gums are receding to protect the roots of your teeth.
- Fluoride treatment: Fluoride can be applied to the teeth as part of routine dental cleaning. It protects and strengthens the enamel while also relieving pain. Some dentists even recommend a specific sort of fluoride for at-home use in between check-ups.
- Root canals: Root Canals are the most radical treatment and are only considered after all other alternatives have failed to ease or eliminate tooth discomfort. Root canals remove the tooth’s fragile, inflammatory core, leaving it infection-free.
Dentist Recommendations
Following an examination, your dentist may be able to offer you these treatments while taking your severity of sensitivity into account.
- Take Prescription Toothpaste and Mouthwash–
If desensitising toothpaste or alcohol-free mouthwash isn’t effective in treating your sensitivity, you may need to try something else. Contact your dentist to find out which products are best for you.
- Schedule a Desensitisation Appointment–
Your dentist can apply a professional substance to your teeth that lower thermal stimulation. This may be a more effective way to alleviate discomfort, particularly for those who have sensitivity during treatment of dental hygiene.
- Put on a Mouthguard –
When teeth grinding becomes a problem, using a mouthguard at night can help avoid tooth damage. Consult your dentist to see if this is a viable option for you.
- Change your teeth-Whitening Routine-
Teeth whitening techniques, whether performed at home or in a dental office, may result in temporary sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive, your dentist will work with you to find the best remedies.
- Make an Appointment – Consult a dentist who, after thoroughly analysing your problem, may offer additional treatment such as a fluoride application or cavity filling based on the cause of sensitivity. A root canal may be recommended in more severe situations.
- Seek Medical Attention for an Underlying Medical Condition– Enamel can wear down as a result of certain drugs or diseases, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Consult your dentist about the next actions you can take to overcome the issue.
