Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity

Are you suffering from tooth sensitivity? Here’s everything you need to know about sensitivity in a nutshell.

Why does tooth sensitivity occur?

A tooth has three main structures: enamel, dentine, and pulp respectively from outside to inside. When the dentine gets exposed the tooth gets sensitive to air, hot, and cold food and/or beverages.

Dentine can get exposed due to multiple reasons.

• Gum disease: Receding gums can expose the root surface.
• Caries: When harmful bacteria gradually eat away the tooth substance it will expose the dentine leading to sensitivity.
• Trauma: When a tooth gets damaged from an accident like a sudden fall, the tooth might chip off or crack uncovering the dentine.

What are the treatment options available for tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be eliminated by,

• Filling: If the sensitivity occurs due to caries, a simple filling or a restoration will cover the exposed dentine relieving any symptoms.
• Professional cleaning: Mild to moderate receding gums can be treated with professional cleaning or scaling and polishing at the dental office. Scaling will eliminate dental plaque accumulating factors and harmful bacteria around the teeth. Once the gum attachments heal, the feeling of sensitivity will gradually reside.
• Building up the tooth: If you go to your dentist after having a dental trauma with a broken, chipped-off, or cracked tooth your dentist may either attach the broken piece back to your natural tooth or build it up.

Can you prevent tooth sensitivity?

Of course, you can. Following regular dental hygiene practices is the key thing to avoiding a lot of dental conditions and diseases. It’s essential to brush your teeth after meals at least twice a day, especially at night. Make sure to floss in between teeth to keep your gums healthy. Reducing the frequency of sugar intake during the day will protect you from cavities.