Sensitive teeth can be irritating. They make it hard for you to enjoy taking your favorite drinks or meals. Often, sensitive tooth pain tends to be sudden and sharp but lasts for a short period. This usually happens when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold air or cold and acidic foods. If you have sensitive teeth, read on about the common causes and solutions you should try.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Anyone can have sensitive teeth. When your enamel is eroded or teeth root is exposed, you can develop tooth sensitivity. However, there is more than one reason for sensitive teeth. The following are the most common causes.
Teeth Whitening
A large number of people with discolored or stained teeth turn to teeth whitening. However, many do not realize that the teeth whitening procedure can cause tooth sensitivity. Some ingredients in the teeth whitening products are largely attributed to tooth irritation.
Hard Brushing
Toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing too hard can erode your teeth enamel or cause root exposure leading to tooth sensitivity. This is why we recommend that you consider using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Diet
What you eat can affect your teeth. Regular consumption of acidic foods and drinks can erode your enamel increasing the chances of developing sensitivity.
Irregular Flossing
Flossing is an essential part of the dental hygiene routine. It helps build-up of plaque on your teeth. However, irregular flossing just like hard brushing can wear down your enamel.
Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity
There is a wide variety of dental treatments to help safeguard your teeth from developing sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, we’d recommend you try the following solutions:
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are commonly recommended by dentists. They are a thin coating applied to your teeth to reduce sensitivity. It’s important to note that the dental sealants are temporary and wear off with time.
Bonding Agent
A dentist might recommend a bonding agent if the roots of your teeth are exposed. The agent covers the root surface blocking its exposure and providing pain relief.
Fluoride Gel
A fluoride gel can be applied to your teeth to help reduce and discomfort. The gel helps to strengthen the enamel and dentin.
Root Canal
If the solutions above fail to work, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. In this procedure, the dentist will remove the soft nerve tissues in your teeth.
Sensitive teeth are a major health problem many people face. Now that you know the common causes and solutions to tooth sensitivity, you can get help.
Experiencing teeth sensitivity? Book an appointment with us.
