Everything You Need To Know About Your Sensitive Teeth

Are you bothered by icy drinks or hot foods? Does flossing or brushing your teeth cause you pain? These are telltale signs that you suffer from sensitive teeth. In this case, your best option might be to contact a dental clinic in Dubai Marina and set up an appointment.

Healthy teeth have a layer of enamel covering the crowns, and a cementum layer protects tooth roots beneath the gum line. Dentin lies beneath the enamel and cementum, is less dense, and contains microscopic tubules. Dentine tubules are exposed when a tooth loses its protective coating allowing heat, cold, acidic, and sticky foods to reach the nerve within the tooth resulting in hypersensitivity and pain.

Damaged gums can also result in hypersensitivity as they leave dental material exposed when they recede.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Some people have naturally thin enamel coatings, while others wear down the enamel on their teeth without realizing it. Enamel can be worn down by:

• Brushing your teeth very hard 
• Using a hard-bristled toothbrush 
• Aggressively grinding your teeth
• Eating and drinking acidic foods

How Can I Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can affect one, some, or all of your teeth, and it can either be a chronic or temporary problem. Depending on the cause, you can treat tooth sensitivity or, at the very least, lessen the pain.

1- Using Desensitizing Toothpaste

In some cases, desensitizing toothpaste can be used to reduce tooth pain. The main ingredient in desensitizing toothpaste is potassium nitrate, which blocks pain signals transmitted by the nerve from your tooth to the brain.

2- Brushing Your Teeth Gently

Depending on how hard you brush your teeth and the type of toothbrush you use, you may be removing more than just plaque. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down your enamel and damage your gums. Rather than brushing your teeth vigorously from side to side or using a hard toothbrush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your gum line at a 45-degree angle.

3- Avoiding Acidic/Sugary Foods and Drinks.

People often say that sweet and acidic foods can rot your teeth. Carbonated beverages, wine, sticky candy, and citrus fruits can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to hypersensitivity. If you find yourself craving sweets, consider replacing them with black tea or sugarless chewing gum. It would be best if you waited two hours instead of rushing to brush your teeth after eating acidic foods and 

4- Gum Disease 

Dental treatments and consistent brushing are essential for removing plaque and preventing gum disease. Plaque and tartar accumulations on your teeth can cause the gums to recede. In some cases, diseases can set in and destroy the bone supporting your tooth. Gum disease can be treated by deep cleaning your teeth, scaling, and root planing. Other treatments include medication and surgery.

5- Fluoride

Fluoride has many applications. Dental professionals use fluoride to prevent tooth decay by increasing a tooth’s resistance to acid, sugar, and plaque bacteria. Your dentist may use fluoride on sensitive areas to strengthen tooth enamel or provide pain relief. Your dentist might suggest that you apply prescription fluoride at home using a custom tray in certain cases.

How Can I Avoid Tooth Hypersensitivity?

Preventing tooth hypersensitivity begins with proper oral hygiene, correct implementation of brushing techniques, and a little bit of care. You should also consult your dentist if you have any questions regarding oral hygiene or hypersensitivity. There are several home remedies that you can use to lessen tooth pain, but we recommend that you seek professional help as home remedies can only relieve your discomfort temporarily.