Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options

A smile is the first impression a human radiates while interacting with a fellow-being. However, dental ailments, like tooth sensitivity can damage your first impression to the degree that you wouldn’t prefer interacting with anyone. Extremely visible determinant of tooth sensitivity is intense ache in the entire gum region along with the teeth while consuming any substance that is either too hot or too cold.

For us to understand it deeply enough, we will head towards discussing all the causes of tooth sensitivity, its prevention, and the remedies that can be opted for at Radiant Smiles Prosper to eliminate it. 

• Causes of tooth sensitivity
• Prevention of tooth sensitivity
• Treatment of tooth sensitivity
• Conclusion

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1) The erosion of enamel 

Enamel is the outer layer, which can be better inferred as a protective layer over the gums. In the absence of this protective layer, tooth sensitivity occurs. The fundamental causes of this erosion are the consumption of acidic foods and beverages, gastric reflux, or maybe aggressive brushing. When the protective layer of enamel wears down, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, containing microscopic tubules that connect to the nerves in the pulp. Such an act leads to high sensitivity in the tooth and the surrounding region.

2) Gingival recession

When the gums recede, the tooth upper layers become unmasked to the outer environment. These unveiled roots contain thousands of tiny channels, known as dentinal tubules, that lead directly to the nerve endings. Consequently, whenever any consumable item comes in contact with it, be it too hot or too cold, pain signals are transmitted that cause tooth sensitivity.

3) Teeth grinding

Toddlers usually have the habit of grinding their teeth or clenching them quite often. This habit further develops into adulthood and has negative repercussions. The excessive forces generated during grinding can sweep away the enamel, uncover the inner part of the teeth called dentin, and cause cracks or fractures in the teeth. These compromised structures increase sensitivity to various stimuli.

4) Dental treatments effects

Sometimes during various dental procedures, such as tooth whitening, cleaning, tartar or plaque removal, etc., the protective layers are affected. The bleaching material applied to the teeth plays a key role in making the teeth sensitive to hot and cold consumable substances. Nevertheless, it is not a major issue that can be detrimental. With time, sensitivity fades in such cases.

5) Fractured teeth

Fractures in the teeth or any cracks tear the enamel of the teeth, and thus the protective layer is compromised. Due to this, sensitivity is heightened. The primary causes are traumatic injuries, biting hard objects, or sometimes the gradual tearing of teeth enamel because of teeth grinding.

Also Read: Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Preventions for Teeth Sensitivity

1) Oral Hygiene maintenance

The first and foremost thing is the maintenance of oral hygiene. People more often than not do not care much about their oral hygiene, though they must take it into consideration like any other body part’s maintenance. For this, any dentist would recommend brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush while also practicing flossing.

2) Toothpaste selection

The toothpaste you use plays an important role in determining your oral hygiene. Toothpastes must have desensitizing chemicals, such as strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. This helps to eliminate the sensitivity in the teeth. If a person uses such chemicals regularly, it helps to maintain the protective layer over the teeth.

3) Fooding style

In order to prevent damage to the tooth enamel, it is quite important to analyze the eating habits a person has. The excess intake of foods that have acidic elements, like citrus fruits, sodas, and wines, can erode tooth enamel and exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Either these food intakes must be completely eliminated from the food habit or there must be some precautions taken afterwards, such as rinsing the mouth and using a straw while taking such acidic beverages. It can prevent the direct exposure of teeth to harmful acids.

4) Nighttime bruxism prevention

Because of a learned action in someone’s subconscious mind, they tend to grind their teeth while sleeping. It causes extreme damage to the tooth enamel. For this, they can apply some mouthguard while sleeping.

5) Regular check-ups

Tooth sensitivity can easily be prevented if you make regular visits to your dentist. They can diagnose the condition of your oral health and help you alleviate the problems at an early stage.

Also Read: Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist in Prosper, Texas

1) Desensitizing toothpaste

This is a treatment that, if applied for a long duration, can maintain a person’s oral hygiene consistently. Such toothpaste contains compounds like strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, which help block the microscopic tubules in dentin, reducing sensitivity to external stimuli.

2) Dental bonding

Dental bonding or sealants can be a useful therapy for those who have worn down their enamel or whose dentin has become exposed. In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the problem regions, where it bonds securely and protects the dentin beneath. But sealants, which are thin protective coatings put on the chewing surfaces of teeth, protect against sensitivity brought on by the degradation of enamel.

3) Gum crafting

Gum recession can be highly detrimental to a person’s oral hygiene. In order to treat and operate on such issues, dentists tend to take tissues from other parts of the mouth or perhaps buy them from a donor and graft them onto the areas of recession. Such procedures will cover the protective layer and help prevent tooth sensitivity.

4) Root Canal

In several cases where the infection is not easily treatable, root canal therapy is conducted. Dentists remove the entire infected pulp and thus block the root cause of the damage. The treatment is a bit painful but helps restore oral health.