One of the common problems associated with teeth is the issue of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is when you experience severe discomfort or sharp pain in your teeth whenever you consume certain types of food and beverages. According to researchers, as much as 57% of Canadians suffer from tooth sensitivity at varying levels and which is triggered due to different foods and temperatures. The pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity can be quite sharp and sudden and it can even shoot to the tooth’s nerve endings. Thankfully, treating sensitive teeth is not that difficult and the conditions can be improved.
Reasons for tooth sensitivity
There is no one reason why tooth sensitivity occurs. It can happen to anyone at any age. Tooth sensitivity is a sharp flash of sudden pain which can trigger due to air, sweet, cold, acidic or hot foods. Usually, our teeth enamel protects our the underlying dentin layer which is softer than the enamel. But if the enamel wears or if the gum line has receded, the dentin is exposed and creates a sharp pain due to its connection to nerve endings. Some of the common causes of tooth sensitivity are cavities, gum recession, cracked teeth, enamel and root erosion, all of which cause dentin to be exposed. Even improper brushing and flossing, bad quality oral products such as mouthwash or toothpaste and dental procedures can be a reason for tooth sensitivity. Gum recession, gingivitis and cracked teeth are few other reasons of sensitive teeth.
Treatment
One of the best ways to treat sensitivity is, of course, speaking to an experienced local dentist like Dentistry in Newmarket. Their panel of dentists can help to identify the causes of your tooth sensitivity and suggest appropriate remedies. You can also try to use a desensitizing toothpaste to reduce the occurrence and intensity of pain and discomfort. Avoiding certain foods like too cold too hot food and acidic foods can help. Make sure to use a fluoridated mouthwash on a regular basis and avoid teeth grinding.
In addition to these general care tips, if you think your tooth sensitivity is hampering your daily activities, you can opt for some dental treatments that help to reduce tooth sensitivity. These include:
- Bonding, crowns or onlays which can fix a possible tooth decay and reduce sensitivity
- Using a fluoride gel or varnish
- Undergoing a surgical gum graft to protect the root and reduce sensitivity
- Root canal
There is no alternative to taking good care of your teeth by following good oral hygiene if you want to reduce sensitivity and other tooth problems. It is important to note that besides the factors enumerated above, age or some medical treatments and medicines can also increase the chances of you developing sensitivity. If you are not sure what is causing tooth sensitivity, talk to your family dentist today or visit Dentistry in Newmarket to get detailed consultation on sensitive teeth and what they can do for them.