Tooth Sensitivity: Triggers & Treatment

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Brush with too much spirit

Tooth sensitivity occurs from brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Over time, these can wear out the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow tubes or channels leading to your dental nerves. The easiest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and be softer when brushing.

Eat Acidic Foods

If the pathways to your nerves are exposed to acid foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi and pickles may cause pain. However, avoiding these foods can help you avoid dental discomfort.

A tooth crusher

Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, teeth grinding can wear it down. Doing this exposes the dentin or the middle layer of the tooth that holds the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. Ask your dentist for a mouth guard to keep you from squeaking.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Many manufacturers add whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulations; some people are more sensitive to it than others. If your toothpaste contains bleach, consider switching to one that does not.

Addicted to Mouthwashes

Like whitening toothpaste, some mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can increase tooth sensitivity, especially if your dentin is exposed. Try to flush with neutral fluoride or skip the flushing and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.

Gum Disease

Receding gums can lead to sensitive teeth. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will make a plan to treat the disease and may also suggest a procedure to seal your teeth.

Excessive Plaque

Flossing and brushing aim to remove plaque that forms after eating. Excessive plaque buildup can lead to tooth enamel wear, which can make teeth more sensitive as they lose the protection provided by the enamel.

Dental Procedure

It is common to experience some tenderness after tooth sensitivity after root canal treatment, extraction or crown placement. If the symptoms is continue for more than a week, then consult your doctor to prevent it.

Cracked Tooth

A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond sensitive teeth. Your dentist must assess your tooth and decide on the right treatment, such as copying or extraction.

Decomposition of Fillings on the Edges

Fillings can weaken, fracture or leak around the edges as we age. Bacteria can easily build up in these tiny crevices, causing acid build-up and enamel breakdown. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice this type of sensitive teeth between visits; in most cases, the fillings can be easily replaced.

Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

• Sharp Pain with Hot or Cold Foods/Drinks
• Pain with Sweet or Acidic Foods
• Discomfort During Brushing or Flossing
• Sensitivity to Air
• Pain While Eating or Chewing
• Localized Pain in Specific Teeth

When to Visit a Dentist?

You should see a dentist if:

• Sensitivity lasts more than a few days or worsens over time.
• You feel pain while brushing or chewing.
• There is visible gum recession or tooth damage.
• Home treatments do not provide relief.

Tooth Sensitivity Diagnosis

The doctor can examine the health of your teeth and look for potential problems such as cavities, loose fillings or receding gums that could be causing the sensitivity. The test of tooth sensitivity includes:

• Dental examination
• X-rays
• Sensitivity test

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

Desensitizing toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Fluoride

Your dentist may apply fluoride to sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.

Desensitization or Bonding

The exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying an adhesive resin to sensitive root surfaces.

Surgical gum transplant

If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount can also be taken from your mouth and attached to the affected site.

Root canal

If your sudden tooth sensitivity causes severe pain and other treatments are ineffective, your dentist can recommend a root canal.

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment at Home

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Avoid acidic foods and beverages
• Rinse with salt water
• Oil pulling with coconut oil
• Clove oil application

Home Remedy for Sensitive Tooth

• Oil Pulling: Sesame oil or coconut oil can help reduce sensitive teeth. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice originating in India, which involves swirling the oil around the mouth for several minutes before spitting it out.
• Guava Leaves: Chewing on guava leaves or using a topical gel that contains guava leaf extract can help reduce tooth pain and sensitivity.
• Clove Gel: People have long utilized clove oil as a popular remedy for toothaches. Research suggests that there is more than just tradition.
• Garlic: Garlic is a traditional remedy for a range of health problems. One use of garlic in traditional medicine is to treat a toothache. Chewing on a piece of garlic briefly produces a compound called allicin. Allicin has antimicrobial properties and can help kill bacteria that can lead to oral diseases, such as Streptococcus mutans.
• Saltwater Rinse: Another way to fight bacteria in the mouth and improve oral hygiene is to use a saltwater mouthwash. To make a saltwater rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Then run the saltwater around your mouth several times before spitting it out.
• Capsaicin Gel: Capsaicin is a spicy substance naturally present in chili peppers. Although capsaicin can cause burns when a person applies it to their skin or gums, it can also reduce pain. Applying capsaicin gel to the gums can relieve pain in sensitive teeth.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a yellow spice and an Ayurvedic remedy used for reducing inflammation. It contains curcumin, which can help relieve pain. To reduce tooth pain and sensitivity, a person can try making a paste by mixing turmeric and water and then rubbing it into their gums.

Tooth Sensitivity Prevention

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day.
• Take breaks to whiten teeth.
• Limit the consumption of sugary, starchy and acidic foods.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Wear a mouthguard at night.
• See a dentist regularly.
• Stop smoking.