There is nothing worse than
looking forward to your favorite treat, only to find that eating it causes pain
to your teeth. A bite of ice cream, a sip of hot coffee, or even a healthy
snack of citrus fruit can be painful
.
Unfortunately
for those with extremely sensitive teeth, this happens all too often.
Teeth
are comprised of many layers, the strongest of which is the enamel. When the
enamel has worn away and dentin that coats the nerve of each tooth is left
exposed, painful tooth sensitivity is experienced.
Teeth
sensitivity- also known as dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity- can be
caused by a number of things, including age, vigorous brushing, and injuries,
among other causes. Dentin hypersensitivity affects more than 40 percent of the
adult population world wide, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.
Certain
foods can lead to tooth sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as sodas, citrus
juices, and pickles can cause enamel to wear out and expose sensitive areas of
the tooth. Bodily acids can damage teeth as well. Those who suffer from bulimia
or gastroesophageal reflux disease must pay special attention to their dental
care routines, as bodily acids can cause tooth erosion and sensitivity.
Tooth
sensitivity can also be caused by facial injuries and chipped teeth. Wearing a
mouthguard can help avoid this by keeping teeth from smashing together and
causing major oral injuries. Protecting teeth with a mouthguard during sports
and physical activity can also lower the risk of concussion.
Sometimes
tooth sensitivity cannot be avoided. The aging process comes with receding gum
lines and years of vigorous brushing, which can contribute to tooth
sensitivity. Those who have undergone orthodontic treatment such as dental
braces, have had routine teeth cleanings throughout their lives, or had
cavities filled might also experience tooth sensitivity during and after their
procedures.
Braces
are made to guide teeth into alignment, which will naturally cause discomfort
to patients. Those with braces must take great care to thoroughly clean their
teeth and braces because trapped food can create acid that can eventually lead
to cavities, decalcification and increased tooth sensitivity.
Patients
who have sensitive teeth and are undergoing orthodontic treatment might fear
the day their braces come off. While the procedure of removing braces simply
feels like intense pressure on the teeth to most people, those with sensitive
teeth might have a harder time enduring it. However, orthodontists are highly
trained to reduce discomfort to all patients.
Once
braces have been removed, patients can finally treat tooth sensitivity on the
entire tooth surface, focusing on what was covered by the braces.
There
are a number of home remedies and in-office procedures that can help alleviate
tooth sensitivity.
At Home
Simple
modifications to your everyday oral hygiene routine can help tremendously.
First, a soft bristle toothbrush is recommended, as well as gentler brushing
strokes. We also recommend patients double check the proper way to brush teeth,
as improper brushing can cause unnecessary scratching of the enamel.
Second,
special toothpastes exist to protect teeth from tooth sensitivity. You don't
need to sacrifice fluoride or whitening, because several toothpastes made for
tooth sensitivity come with whitening and fluoride capabilities. There are
special rinses and mouthwashes that also come made for sensitive teeth.
The
Canadian Dental Association recommends using products that have their seal of
approval to ensure the product you use has passed the ADA criteria for
effectiveness.
At the
Office
Dentists
can offer a fluoride gel to strengthen enamel. They can also offer to
"seal" sensitive teeth with a plastic material. Covering teeth mends
the exposed dentin and worn enamel and reduces sensitivity.
No
matter the level of sensitivity, make sure to bring it up at your next visit to
your dentist or orthodontist so they can advise the best solution for your oral
health.
No comments:
Post a Comment