We have all been there, the weather warms up, you go to your local shop for an ice-cream, you bite into it and .....OUCH! That sharp, shooting familiar pain of tooth sensitivity goes through your tooth like an electric shock!
Tooth sensitivity is a common condition which can cause considerable pain and discomfort for patients. If you find yourself wincing in pain each time you bite down, chew or drink overly hot or cold foods and drinks, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. And why ruin a good, cold beer on a sensitive tooth?
Your dentist can preform a dental examination to review the root cause (excuse the pun!) of your tooth sensitivity and help come up with solutions for you! Dr Jennifer Collins and her team at Northumberland Dental Care can help if you find yourself suffering from tooth sensitivity. Call her team on 016688441 or email on info@nidm.ie
Below are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity;
You may have a cavity
Enamel erosion is one of the key causes of tooth sensitivity. Enamel is one of the strongest materials in the body and enamel is designed to not only assist you in effectively breaking down food, but will also protect the underlying layers of your tooth. When your enamel wears thin, it can expose dentine, the more sensitive, darker layer of the tooth which has nerve endings. While some enamel demineralisation can be treated with special desensitizing toothpastes and gentle brushing techniques, if a cavity has developed on the surface of your tooth, you will need a attend your dentist of a filling. A dental filling is designed to remove any unhealthy bacteria from the surface of the tooth and fill the cavity so further damage cannot occur.
Your gums may be receding
Gums are designed to frame teeth to provide beautiful smile symmetry. They are also there to protect teeth. When gums begin to lift away from the base of a tooth and recede, it not only causes the gum line to appear uneven, but exposes the tooth roots. Gum recession is frequently caused by improper brushing techniques,your occlusion, gum disease or even tooth grinding. While both gum disease and gum recession can be treated with a deep cleaning that involves scaling and root planing, your dentist may recommend implementing certain brushing techniques into your oral hygiene regimen to minimize sensitivity. This will include:
Purchasing a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush
Brushing in a circular motion (rather than side-to-side) with gentle pressure for no more than 2 minutes
Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
Brushing with a desensitizing or antibacterial toothpaste e.g. Sensodyne or Kin or Colgate Prorelief
You may have a cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can occur as a result of age, injury, or even from older amalgam dental fillings. They can be difficult to diagnose and to treat as the crack often does not show up on an xray. Attending your routine dental cleanings and examinations allows the dentist to recognize and monitor fractures in a tooth. Enamel fractures are very common on teeth and may just be monitored by your dentist . A deeper cracked tooth may be unrestorable and require extraction. If a crack is caught in time, your dentist may be able to restore your tooth by coating it with a clear varnish that will seal off cracks, placing a filling or root canal treatment and possible a crown.
Help prevent cracks on your teeth by wearing a nightguard to stop your teeth from getting damaged at night or wearing a gum shield for sport.
Tips for reducing sensitivity;
If your dental sensitivity is not linked to a cavity, gum recession, gum disease, or a fracture, there are certain tips you can implement into your daily oral hygiene regimen to protect your enamel, including:
Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Avoid brushing too aggressively
Use a desensitizing toothpaste, flouride toothpaste and avoid using one with whitening agents
Decrease your intake of foods and beverages high in acid
Natural remedies that can help improve dental sensitivity include rubbing clove oil on the sensitive part of your tooth.
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