In the event you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp ache in your mouth whereas sipping a scorching espresso or having fun with a chilly scoop of ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a remarkably frequent difficulty, affecting at the least 40 million individuals in america, in line with the Academy of Basic Dentistry. However what precisely causes delicate tooth and, extra importantly, what are you able to do about it? Let’s discover the explanations behind the discomfort and uncover efficient methods to search out reduction.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
In line with the American Dental Affiliation (ADA), tooth sensitivity happens when the underlying layer of your tooth, known as dentin, turns into uncovered. Dentin incorporates microscopic tubules that result in the tooth’s nerve heart. When these tubules are uncovered, exterior stimuli like scorching, chilly, candy or acidic meals can attain the nerves, inflicting ache. A number of elements can contribute to the event of tooth sensitivity, together with:
- Worn tooth enamel from brushing too laborious, consuming acidic meals and drinks, or grinding tooth.
- Gum illness, which may trigger gums to recede and expose the delicate root.
- Cracked or chipped tooth, which may expose the inside layers of the tooth.
- Latest dental work, which can trigger short-term sensitivity.
- Outdated, worn fillings.
- Some tooth whitening merchandise.
Frequent Triggers
Sure meals and drinks usually tend to exacerbate tooth sensitivity resulting from their temperature, acidity or sugar content material. These embody:
- Highly regarded meals like scorching soup and occasional.
- Very chilly meals like popsicles and ice cream.
- Acidic meals and drinks like citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), tomatoes, pickles, sodas and sports activities drinks.
- Chewy sweets like gummy bears, which may get caught inside open cavities and underneath gums.
- Exhausting, crunchy meals like ice and laborious sweet, which may harm tooth enamel.
Remedies
Tooth sensitivity is commonly treatable proper at house by avoiding offending meals or utilizing a toothpaste particularly designed for delicate tooth. Nevertheless, if at-home remedies aren’t sufficient, your dentist might suggest an in-office therapy based mostly on the underlying explanation for the sensitivity. These might embody:
- Fluoride varnish or gel.
- Dental bonding.
- A filling, inlay or crown.
- Gum graft.
- Root canal in additional extreme instances.
In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to speak to our group! We might help you identify the reason for the sensitivity and suggest essentially the most applicable course of therapy.
