News & Tips

Why we get sensitive teeth, and what can be done about it?

If you have sensitive teeth, you have most likely neglected your oral hygiene for a long time. One out of every eight people, according to studies, has sensitive teeth or dentin hypersensitivity. Most people ignore mild signs of oral sensitivity and only seek medical attention when their condition has progressed to severe sensitivity. People must be more aware of proper oral hygiene practises in order to avoid tooth sensitivity.

What are the symptoms of sensitive teeth?

The majority of people ignore dentin hypersensitivity because they are unaware of the consequences of poor oral hygiene. If you want to know if you have sensitive teeth, pay attention to whether you experience any discomfort or sudden pain whenever you encounter the following:

• cold foods and drinks
• hot food and drinks
• sweet foods and drinks
• cold air
• cold water
• flossing
• brushing
• alcohol-based mouth wash
• acidic food and drinks

What causes teeth sensitivity?

Some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity are as follows:

• Use of a hard toothbrush.
• Rough, intense, and heavy brushing of the teeth.
• Teeth grinding.
• A diet high in acidic foods and beverages.

Teeth sensitivity is also experienced by people who have the following dental issues:

• gum disease
• tooth decay
• worn fillings
• fractured teeth
• exposed tooth root
• worn tooth enamel

The difference between healthy teeth and sensitive teeth is that healthy teeth have a thick layer of enamel, whereas sensitive teeth have a thin layer of enamel or their gum recedes, exposing the sensitive parts of the teeth. This causes the exposed nerves and cells in the tooth to be triggered by cold food and drinks, resulting in extreme pain and sensitivity.

What is the treatment for sensitive teeth?

• The use of toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Desensitizing toothpaste is the first thing that dentists recommend to people who have sensitive teeth. Because it contains compounds that act as artificial enamel and block the transmission of senses from the teeth to the nerves, desensitising toothpaste is effective in reducing pain and discomfort.

• The use of gel fluoride on sensitive teeth

Dentists can use fluoride gel to strengthen enamel and prevent nerves from feeling extra sensations.

• The placement of crown on sensitive teeth.

This procedure is designed specifically for patients who have tooth decay.

• Performing surgery

Gum grafting surgery is an option. The root can be effectively protected and sensitivity is avoided with this surgery.

How can I keep my teeth from becoming sensitive? (prevention advice)

You can prevent having sensitive teeth by using some of the following advice.

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

If you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes nicely, you can effectively avoid bacteria build-up.

• Using soft bristles toothbrush.

Brushing too roughly is hard on the teeth and gums, which can lead to damage. Causes enamel to thin, which is a problem because enamel is the first line of defence for your teeth.

• Using fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride is beneficial to your dental health because it prevents tooth decay. This is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

• Brush your teeth gently.

Most people don’t realise how hard and heavy they brush their teeth. When brushing, use your arms instead of your hands. This reduces tooth stress.

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