What could be more refreshing than a chilled beverage on a hot summer day? Almost anything if you have sensitive teeth. Tooth pain due to sensitivity can be shocking for even the strongest individuals, and if your teeth are sensitive, it’s not only cold drinks that should concern you. Hot ones can also be just as agonizing. Let alone sugary treats.
Highly sensitive teeth are a frequent everyday concern that many individuals encounter at some point. While it may not be the most agonizing dental issue, the ongoing or sporadic discomfort associated with sensitive teeth can be difficult to endure.
The positive aspect is that numerous treatments exist for problems related to tooth sensitivity. Some cost more than the rest. Like many other situations, the most effective way to address issues is through prevention.
Listed below, are the biggest triggers for tooth sensitivity along with their related solutions.
1) Acidic Diet
Your diet high in acidity may be the cause of your tooth sensitivity problems. Tooth enamel safeguards the teeth, but usually erodes, as you grow older. (It can also be affected by various factors such as aggressive tooth brushing and dental diseases.)
When enamel is removed, teeth become more vulnerable to dental issues, such as sensitivity. If your enamel is worn down and your diet is highly acidic with items like fruit juice, vinegar, and tomato sauce, you may face significant sensitivity problems.
Solution: My Summerlin dentist explained, ‘Consult your dentist twice a year as recommended by the ADA to ensure your teeth remain in excellent condition. You can also use specific hygiene products that aid in maintaining the longevity of tooth enamel. If you are facing sensitivity problems linked to your diet, think about adjusting your diet or limiting the food types that are causing you discomfort.’
2) Excessive Brushing
Can maintaining good oral hygiene lead to tooth sensitivity? Yes and no. Many individuals believe that brushing their teeth more often, for a longer duration, and with greater pressure leads to better oral hygiene maintenance.
Excessive brushing of your teeth can, in fact, negatively impact oral hygiene. It can remove the protective outer layer of the teeth (enamel) and result in gum recession, which may subsequently lead to tooth sensitivity problems.
Solution: Keep in mind that moderation is key in everything. If you brush your teeth after every meal, consider using sugar-free gum instead. You might also consider purchasing an electric toothbrush that alerts you if you’re applying too much pressure or brushing for too long. This information can also be shared with your dentist, who can assess your brushing habits and suggest ways to improve your dental care.
3) Gum Disease
Gingivitis and gum disease (periodontitis) are inflammatory ailments that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth. Inadequate oral hygiene habits can lead to the accumulation of plaque. The related bacteria can lead to various issues, such as gum disease. When the bacteria deteriorates the gum tissue, it can lead to gingival recession, exposing sections of the tooth that would normally be covered.
Solution: Your dentist will probably suggest a specialized cleaning known as scaling and root planing to eliminate all the accumulated plaque and bacteria. After this is completed, new dental hygiene habits need to be implemented to avoid reoccurrence.
Depending on the severity of the recession, a soft tissue graft (gingival grafting) might be necessary to substitute the lost gum tissue with healthy donor tissue from a different area of the mouth. This is a useful therapy, though it can be expensive.
4) Teeth Grinding
Tooth grinding or bruxism is a disorder characterized by the abnormal clenching and grinding of teeth — usually while sleeping. Teeth grinding can be caused by various factors, such as stress, misaligned bites, and sleep issues. The continuous grinding can actually wear away the protective enamel on the teeth, revealing dentin and leading to sensitivity problems.
Solution: Custom-made bite plates or mouth guards can assist in safeguarding your teeth from grinding during sleep. Orthodontics can assist in addressing bite discrepancies, while restorative dental solutions, such as dental crowns, can substitute teeth that are irreparably damaged.
5) Chipped/Fractured Tooth
Chips or cracks in the teeth reveal sensitive areas, like nerves, increasing the risk of severe tooth sensitivity pain. Chipping or cracking may result from various factors, particularly some form of oral injury. Athletes often have a heightened risk of oral injuries, particularly those participating in high-contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing.
However, even minor incidents can result in a chip or crack in a tooth. In reality, consuming hard candy or applying significant pressure on a bone is a frequent method of inflicting harm on the teeth. Tooth decay can greatly elevate your risk factors for chipping or cracking, as it compromises the tooth’s structural integrity.
Solution: The approach to treatment varies based on how severe the chip or crack is. In minor situations, your dentist may just smooth and polish the tooth without needing additional restorative treatment. Moderate chips and cracks may need a dental filling or crown to aid in restoring the tooth. In severe instances involving nerve damage, a root canal might be necessary.
6) Teeth Whitening Products
Bleaching agents based on peroxide that are frequently employed for teeth whitening can heighten tooth sensitivity. The greater the concentration of the bleaching agent, the deeper it will penetrate the tooth to address staining and discoloration. One consequence of this treatment is that it may reveal the dentin layer of the tooth, increasing your sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and sugary foods.
Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products such as toothpaste and strips generally lack a sufficient concentration to induce notable sensitivity. Nonetheless, if you have an existing dental issue such as decay or gum disease, your sensitivity might be increased.
Solution: Your dentist will apply a desensitizing agent prior to and probably following in-office teeth whitening to reduce sensitivity issues. They can also suggest at-home whitening treatments that include desensitizing agents. If you’re thinking about whitening, be sure to schedule a dental appointment to assess your oral health beforehand.