How Much You Know About Sensitive Teeth?

[Springvale Clinic]

Do your teeth hurt when you drink very cold or hot drinks or when you brush your teeth? Well, you may be having sensitive teeth. While most people attribute sensitive teeth to only tooth decay, some other factors can cause teeth sensitivity. This article will discuss some of the causes of sensitive teeth and possible treatment for the condition.

Causes of teeth sensitivity

• Over-brushing

Do you know that brushing too much can cause your teeth to be sensitive? Over-brushing your teeth can wear out your teeth enamel, exposing the dentin and causing sensitivity. Apart from causing tooth sensitivity, brushing your teeth too much will also cause gum recession.

• Teeth grinding

Some people grind their teeth while sleeping, and this may be a contributing factor to their teeth sensitivity. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, it causes friction between the teeth hence wearing out the enamel. As a result, your teeth may become sensitive once the dentin is exposed to high or low temperatures and even touch.

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a gum infection which causes the gum to recede. Severe gingivitis can cause the roots to be exposed, causing teeth sensitivity.

• Cracked teeth

Sometimes an injury to a tooth may cause it to crack and expose the dentin or the nerves hence causing it to become sensitive.

• Acidity

Foods that have high acidity can also wear down the tooth enamel and make it sensitive

Treatment for Teeth Sensitivity

Most treatments for sensitive teeth can be done over the counter for cases where the sensitivity is not severe. However, for more severe cases of teeth sensitivity, professional treatment is recommended. Below are some of the most common treatments for teeth sensitivity.

• Fluoride

Fluoride is known as a tooth strengthener, and that is why it is found in most toothpaste. For teeth sensitivity, a fluoride treatment will help strengthen the enamel and prevent any erosion caused by other factors such as grinding or over-brushing.

• Desensitizing toothpaste

Some toothpaste can help relieve tooth sensitivity to some extent. Although you can use over the counter desensitizing toothpaste, sometimes it is better to seek professional advice from your dentist to determine whether desensitizing toothpaste is the most appropriate treatment for your teeth sensitivity.

• Gum Grafting

If the gum tissue has been eroded and exposes the roots, grafting can be done to restore the lost gum tissue. This is mostly applied to patients with Gingivitis.

• Root canal

In more severe cases of tooth sensitivity, a root canal treatment can be administered. A root canal treatment involves drilling the dentin enough to expose the nerves and removing the nerves from the tooth and then filling the tooth with dental composite or other fillings. You can have a professional root canal done at Springvale Dental Clinic and get the most professional diagnosis for your tooth sensitivity.

• Bonding, Crowns or Dentures

In cases where the sensitive tooth/teeth cannot be restored, the teeth can be extracted and dentures installed. Dentures help maintain the dental structure of the wearer. Bonding can also be done on teeth that cannot be extracted or a root canal done.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there is no course for alarm if you have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can be treated professionally. To professionally diagnose and treat sensitive teeth, you can use the services of Springvale Dental Clinic as they have exceptional dental services to treat every kind of dental problems.