Do you have tooth sensitivity?
There are several reasons that you might have sensitivity:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Clinching and grinding
- Erosion and abrasion
- After restorations
TOOTH DECAY
If you have cavities, you will feel pain when you eat sweet and cold foods. In some cases patient will have pain with hot foods. If the pain is momentary after cold or sweet foods, most likely there is tooth decay. If the sensitivity comes after eating hot foods and if it lasts for more than 10 seconds and becomes painful, it means that the decay is very deep and that you might need immediate attention from your dentist.
GUM DISEASE
In case of a gum problem, the colour of your gum might change from light pink to red and sometimes purplish red. You need to clean your teeth meticulously by brushing and flossing to remove any plaque present around your gum lines. Plaque is full of bacteria, and bacteria will cause infections around you gums. Then, your gums become inflamed and will bleed while brushing. By removing the plaque you should feel less sensitivity.
Clinching and grinding
Do you have sore muscles and sensitive teeth when you wake up in the morning? you need to check with your dentist for possible solutions. Having a night guard to use at nigh time can prevent the damage to your teeth. Botox injections can be an alternative treatment for heavy grinders.
EROSION
Erosion happens when you eat sour foods for a long time. The acid in the food dissolves the calcium in your enamel. Consequently enamel becomes thinner and thinner until it is all gone. When dentin (the second layer of the tooth) is exposed to oral cavity, you will feel sensitivity. Avoid sour foods and check with your dentist for treatment options.
ABRASION
Abrasion happens when you brush your teeth aggressively or the wrong way. In abrasion, the patient removes the enamel by physically removing it. Exposed dentin will then cause sensitivity. So check your brushing habits and make sure you use a soft tooth brush.
AFTER RESTORATIONS
After a filling is done, patients can experience sensitivity. Removing decay from your teeth is like doing a small surgery. Teeth have nerves and a blood supply. After cleaning the cavities, sometimes the nerves get irritated and cause sensitivity. Make sure you check with your dentist to check your bite. In some occasions even the slightest extra filling material can cause sensitivity. In this situation after adjusting the bite, the patient will feel relived right away. The best thing is to check with your dentist as soon as you feel sensitive after a restoration.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE DENTAL SENSITIVITY:
- use a soft tooth brush
- use a sensitive tooth paste
- keep your teeth clean by proper brushing and flossing
- avoid sour foods
- avoid very hot or very cold foods
- avoid very hard foods
CHECK WITH YOUR DENTIST AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
Dr. Roushanak Shafaghi
