Since last few days or weeks your teeth are feeling little sensitive. You notice that it makes you wince from time to time. Perhaps it is even causing serious pain. Tooth sensitivity undeniably puts one in a pretty uncomfortable situation. But it is not just about the discomfort and pain that are associated to the problem of sensitive tooth. There is more to it. According to dentists sensitivity in the tooth is often more of a helpful warning sign. It tells you that something is wrong with your teeth and you must go to a dentist immediately to sort that out. It is important to note that modern dentistry has improved a lot such that sensitivity in the tooth can be treated and can also be cured. But if it left ignored and untreated it is only going to make things worse and increasingly difficult with the passage of time.
How do you know whether you suffer from tooth sensitivity?
In dental terms tooth sensitivity is called hypersensitivity of the dentin. When you suffer from this problem you are likely to experience your ‘ouch’ moments while
- Having anything hot or cold – like enjoying a steaming mug of coffee or an ice cream
- You bite down on any food item with the teeth
- Having something sour or any sweetened dish or drink
- Mostly importantly you will notice the pain to persist even well the initial twinges have settled down
What are the reasons for the teeth to become sensitive?
There are several reasons that can make your teeth sensitive. One experiences sensitivity in the tooth when the dentin layer of the tooth gets exposed. How does the dentin layer get exposed? This happens because the outermost protective covering of the tooth which is called the enamel, erodes away or becomes compromised.
Dentists with years of experience in handling cases of sensitive teeth in the UK have something important to add to the ongoing context. According to them the dentin layer contains innumerable tiny holes. These holes run through the nerves of the tooth. You feel the sudden jab of pain in the teeth because of this indirect exposure of the nerves of the affected tooth.
Is little sensitivity in the tooth after a cavity filling normal?
It is not always that you feel little sensitivity in the tooth after filling a cavity. On occasions there could be little sensitivity and uneasiness in the tooth following a cavity filling. This issue even clears out on its own pretty quickly. Even after few weeks following your cavity treatment if the sensitivity persists then you must report it to your dentist without waiting any more.
What is the cause of sensitivity in the tooth?
Sensitivity in the tooth results from exposure of the inner dentin layer. The dentin layer can get exposed or get compromised because of a number of reasons. The reasons include the following –
- It could be because of a cracked or broken tooth
- There could a hole or cavity in the tooth that needs a filling
- Excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks can erode away the outermost enamel layer of the tooth leaving the inner dentin layer exposed
- Over-brushing the teeth, brushing the teeth with a hard bristled toothbrush, applying excessive pressure while brushing or brushing the teeth for too long can also damage the enamel layer of the tooth
- You could be suffering from bruxism or teeth grinding. This problem occurs at night when one is asleep. So you would never know that you suffer from it. However a dentist can identify the symptoms easily by diagnosing your mouth. Bruxism takes a severe toll on the protective enamel coating of the teeth
- Poor quality cosmetic whitening of the teeth may damage the enamel layer of the teeth
- Receding gums is another issue that exposes the roots of the tooth. This occurs because of gum disease. It is utmost important to stay safe from gum disease which is also called periodontal infection suggests a dentist with years of experience in treatment for sensitive teeth in London.
How to beat the problem of tooth sensitivity
Here are some tried and tested tips that can help you avoid tooth sensitivity.
- Attend your routine dental checkups
- Get your teeth professionally cleaned at regular intervals by a dental hygienist under the prescription of a dentist
- Stick to the instructions of your dentist at home and take proper care of your teeth and the gums
- Visit your dentist immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort in the mouth
- Remember early treatment or timely treatment resolves almost every critical oral health problem pretty easily
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks as much as you can
- Always apply gentle pressure of the hand while brushing the teeth and mover the toothbrush in small circular motions
- Always use toothbrushes that have softer bristles
- You must replace your toothbrush as soon as it shows signs of fraying
- If your dentist recommends you a fluoride varnish, rinse or gel you should know these items help gradually building a protective layer for your teeth
- You can make use of desensitising toothpaste but it is better to ask your dentist about it
- According to a dentist associated with the Thousand Smiles Dental Clinic too much fluoride can even be harmful for the teeth
As per statistics 1 out of every 3 people in the UK experience nasty sensitivity in the tooth at some point of time or the other. Technically called dentin hypersensitivity, the problem affects people within the age range of 15 to 70 years. However when age group is concerned the problem of dentin hypersensitivity mostly occurs between the age group of 20 and 40 years.
It is possible to avoid this condition with little care and consciousness. You should brush the teeth twice daily and floss once. Correct brushing and flossing techniques are important so that there is no plaque build-up and neither any damage to the outermost protective layer of the teeth or enamel. Dentists with years of experience in providing treatment to sensitive tooth opine correcting bite abnormalities also proves helpful reducing wearing of the tooth enamel.
