TOOTH SENSITIVITY

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If you experience a sharp, shooting type of pain while taking any kind of hot/cold beverages, then it is time for you to visit a nearby dentist.  You are in an encounter with teeth sensitivity attack



What is tooth sensitivity?

It can simply be described as a sharp, shooting type of pain arising while taking any cold/ hot food/ beverages. It can be an alarming sign of your deteriorating teeth condition, welcoming a banquet of  concerns like cavities, teeth wear or gum recession.

What causes teeth sensitivity?

Teeth become sensitive when the outermost protective layer, enamel/cementum covering the teeth get lost exposing the underlying dentine. Dentine being near to the vital pulp gets stimulated by these agents triggering sensitive attacks.

Factors leading to loss of enamel/cementum

Faulty brushing technique

Brushing aggressively and in wrong direction (sawing back and forth) for too long time using a hard bristled brush can abrade overlying cementum exposing root dentin.  It is regarded as one of the major culprits behind teeth sensitivity issues.  Along with the faulty technique use of abrasive dentifrices can add on the net effect.

Consumption of acidic drinks

Acidic drinks/ beverages rich in citric /phosphoric acid dissolve the protective enamel leading to crazes/ cavities causing sensitivity. 

Stress/ clenching or grinding habit

People working under stressful conditions /a clenching or grinding habit can lead to loss of enamel over time exposing underlying dentine resulting in sensitivity issues.

Poor oral hygiene

Accumulation of plaque and resultant bacterial metabolism facilitates the formation of acids leading to loss of enamel

 


 Tips to resolve sensitivity issues

·     Practice good brushing technique

Brush your teeth twice daily using soft bristle brush and a less abrasive toothpaste, inclined at 45 degrees for thorough removal of plaque, debris and stains.

·     Say No to acidic drinks

Stay away from colas, energy drinks, sweetened syrups, cakes and pastries, candies rich in citric/ phosphoric acids.

·     Make it a routine to visit the dentist every 6 months.

You should visit the general dentist every 6 months and talk in detail regarding your concerns and queries. The dentist will explain in detail regarding the treatment options if you have any underlying sensitivity issues. The treatment options include

·                     Use of desensitising toothpaste and soft bristle brush

·                     Crowns

·                     Gum grafts

·                     Root canal treatment followed by crowns.

 

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