What to Do If Your Teeth Are Sensitive?
If you have sensitive teeth, enjoying your favourite foods may come with a side of pain, whether a quick sip of hot coffee or a slurp of a chocolate milkshake.
And other things besides just hot or cold food and beverages can cause excruciating pain. When consuming sour, sugary, or sweet foods, some people also experience pain.
Many people all over the world suffer from tooth sensitivity, which is a common condition. This ailment may manifest and then go away over time.
As a result of receding gums or gum disease, exposed dentin or root areas cause teeth to become sensitive. Four-fifths of people begin to experience these changes at age 65 due to gum recession.
Knowing what might be causing these toothaches helps treat them. Finding a solution is possible once the cause has been identified.
Protect Your Tooth Enamel
That strong shielding layer enables your teeth to withstand everything you subject them to. Pain-producing nerve endings become visible when it is gone.
Some of your enamel may have worn away if you have sensitive teeth.
To stop or slow that damage:
Don’t brush too vigorously
Do you brush your teeth vigorously? You could be removing more than just the plaque. Brushing from side to side at the gum line can hasten the deterioration of your enamel. To keep enamel strong and clean, use a soft-bristled brush and brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Eat and drink less acidic stuff
These sweets, including soda, sticky candy, and high-sugar carbohydrates, attack enamel.
Rather, munch on:
- Fruits and vegetables high in fibre
- Cheese
- Milk
- Plain yogurt
These will hydrate your mouth and aid in the fight against bacteria and acid that can erode your teeth. One method your mouth uses to deal with them is saliva.
You can also sip on black or green tea or savour a piece of sugar-free gum. Don’t rush to brush right away if you do eat something acidic. Before you scrub, give the area a few hours to strengthen.
Unclench your teeth.
Your enamel gradually erodes if you grind your teeth. Dealing with your stress can occasionally solve the issue. Your Applecross dentist can fit you for a splint or mouth guard if that doesn’t work.
If the issue is severe, you might require muscle relaxants or dental work to move your teeth.
Don’t bleach for a while
The pursuit of whiter teeth might make you suffer. Thankfully, bleaching-related sensitivity usually fades quickly. Consult your dentist to determine whether you should continue the treatment and how it may affect you.
Find the Source of the Issue
Tooth sensitivity may occasionally be an indication of other problems, such as:
Gums that naturally shrink
If you’re over 40, your gums may be separating from your teeth and exposing your tooth roots due to wear and tear. Since the roots of your teeth lack enamel, they are much more sensitive than the rest.
If your gums appear to be receding, tell your dentist. It might be an indication of additional issues, like gum disease. Gum grafting may be necessary in severe cases. That transfers tissue from another location to cover the exposed area.
Gum disease
Your gums may pull back due to plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. The disease can develop on occasion. Your tooth’s bony support may be destroyed. Avoid smoking. It might result in gum disease. Planing or scaling, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, may be used by your dentist to treat it. To solve the issue, you might also require treatment with drugs or surgery.
A broken filling or tooth
When a tooth cracks, it may extend to the root. Your tooth will hurt if it is cold. The depth of the crack will determine how your dentist will repair it. Your dentist can fill a small crack if it ends before your gums do. Your tooth must be pulled if it extends below the gum line.
Treatment
After identifying the issue, your dentist may use a variety of techniques to lessen your discomfort, such as:
- Sealants
- Fluoride gel
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Using desensitising pastes (without a toothbrush), you can purchase from your dentist
- Fillings that cover exposed roots
- Mouthguard to protect teeth if you grind
If your condition is severe, a root canal might be suggested.
Additionally, it’s critical to avoid avoiding dental care due to tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can exacerbate the situation. Twice-daily brushing and flossing will keep your smile healthy and pain-free. Additionally, go to the dentist twice a year for a check-up.
Save Your Teeth with Epsom Dental Care Applecross Help!
Neglecting your sensitive teeth can result in additional dental issues.
Visit your Applecross dentist today to achieve expert treatments for tooth sensitivity.
Epsom Dental Care Applecross is committed to staying on top of the latest diagnostic treatments and tools. Our aim is to give our patients healthy smiles to be proud of.
Contact (08) 9316 0555 or visit us at 729 Canning Hwy in Applecross.