Sensitive teeth can take a toll on your everyday life; they can make simple enjoyments like a cup of tea painful to consume. Fortunately your specialist dentist Devon may have a solution for you at Yealmpton Dental Practise, allowing you to go back to being able to eat and drink foods and drinks without having to experience an uncomfortable twinging sensation.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is usually a warning sign that there is a deeper issue with your teeth or gums such as gum disease, cavities or cracked teeth. Sensitive teeth usually occur when the inner layer of your teeth known as dentin becomes exposed as a result of enamel erosion and gum recession. When your teeth are no longer protected by the enamel, the dentinal tubules allow different stimuli to reach the nerves in your teeth which results in the painful sensation you experience when eating or drinking.
What causes sensitive teeth?
There are a variety of factors that can cause sensitivity in teeth and unfortunately in some cases the causes are unavoidable. One cause of tooth sensitivity is brushing too hard; while you may be under the impression that brushing vigorously will make your teeth cleaner, it actually does more harm to your teeth by wearing down your enamel. Additionally, brushing too hard can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth; this is known as gum recession and can have detrimental effects such as tooth loss.
Gum recession is also a common reason as to why you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. This can occur for a number of reasons such as gum disease and being genetically prone to thin gums.
Sometimes having a crack in your tooth can cause bacteria to enter it; if the crack is deep enough, the bacteria could potentially reach the tooth pulp which is located in the centre of the tooth and cause inflammation. This will cause pain and sensitivity when exposed to hot and cold temperatures.
Teeth whitening products are a great solution for achieving whiter and brighter smiles, however they are also one of the greatest contributors to sensitive teeth. We highly recommend having your teeth whitened by your specialist dentist Devon to ensure your teeth do not become too sensitive.
How are sensitive teeth treated?
In some cases, sensitive teeth can heal themselves and you do not require any treatment from your specialist dentist Devon, however this may not always be the case and there may be an underlying cause that needs further investigation. It is normal for you to experience some sensitivity in your teeth after a dental procedure such as a root canal treatment or a filling; however, this usually subsides after a couple of days and does not need to be looked at by a dentist. We recommend that you speak to your dentist if you have sensitivity in your teeth that does not go away as you may have exposed dental roots or dentin due to worn out enamels. In most cases, the treatment for sensitive teeth is dependent on the cause.
The dentist could recommend using a desensitising toothpaste containing fluoride which is specifically designed to treat sensitive teeth. It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is not too harsh on your tooth enamel. It also goes without saying that maintaining good oral hygiene is imperative to prevent or treat sensitivity in your teeth; adequate brushing and flossing will ensure that your teeth are cleaned properly.