If you have been avoiding hot or cold drinks because you know they will hurt your teeth, it may be time to consult a dentist. Other things such as sweet and sour foods or even cold air, can aggravate them as well. To cure these tooth aches, it is necessary first to determine what is causing them.
Tooth sensitivity is caused by the breakdown of the protective layers of your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that crowns, or the part of the teeth above the gum line, are protected by a layer of enamel. Cementum is a material that protects the roots beneath your gum line.
Dentin, which is less dense than the protective coverings, lies beneath the enamel and cementum. Dentin tubules are microscopic canals found in the dentin. When the enamel or cementum wears away or becomes damaged, the dentin is exposed. When your gums recede and expose the dentin, the tubules allow fluid to flow through them and are affected by heat and cold, causing sensitivity and pain in the nerves in the tooth.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
A variety of factors can cause tooth sensitivity. These are some of the most common causes:
- Tooth enamel gets damaged, and this is caused by brushing aggressively with a hard toothbrush.
- Tooth sensitivity caused by acidic foods and beverages
- Tooth decay, worn, leaky fillings, and broken teeth expose your tooth’s dentin.
- You grind your teeth at night
- Gum recession, which exposes your root surface
- Sensitivity after dental treatment is common but only temporary, especially with crowns, fillings, teeth whitening and tooth bleaching.
- Get to the root of the case
Tooth sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of other problems, such as:
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Gums that are naturally shrinking –
If you’re over 40, your gums may be showing signs of wear and tear by pulling away from your teeth and exposing your tooth roots. The roots lack enamel and they are much more sensitive than the rest of your tooth.
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Gum Disease –
Plaque and tartar accumulation on your teeth can cause your gums to pull back. Disease can strike at any time. It has the potential to destroy the bone support of your tooth. To treat it, the dentist may perform a deep cleaning of your teeth known as planning or scaling, which scrapes tartar and plaque beneath the gum line. You may also require medication or surgery to resolve the issue.
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A Cracked Tooth Or A Filling –
If you break a tooth, the crack can extend to the root. When your tooth is cold, you will experience pain. The depth of the crack determines how your oral care professional will repair it. A small crack that ends before your gums can be filled by the Cosmetic Dentistry professional. Your tooth will have to be extracted if it is below the gum line.
What Is the Best Way to Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
There are several options for treating tooth sensitivity, each is recommended based on the root cause and the dentist’s personal preference. The goal of such treatment is to ensure that the underlying cause of sensitivity has been adequately addressed and resolved. This is significant because if you treat your sensitivity only temporarily, the pain will most likely return soon.
Some of the treatments that most dental experts recommend for tooth sensitivity are listed below.
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Desensitizing Agents –
Local markets are brimming with products that can help you desensitize your teeth. Many toothpastes claim to treat tooth hypersensitivity as well. He can assist you in selecting the best one.
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Use an Appropriate Brush –
Purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your teeth.
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Wear a mouthguard –
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth until you can break the habit.
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Fluoride –
Fluoride may be applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth by him to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she may also advise using prescription fluoride at home.
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Desensitization or bonding –
Exposed root surfaces can occasionally be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic may be required.
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Gum graft –
If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue from another part of your mouth can be taken and attached to the affected site. This can help to protect exposed roots while also reducing sensitivity.
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The root canal procedure –
If your sensitive teeth are causing severe pain and other treatments aren’t working, your dentist may recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the root of the tooth. It is widely regarded as the most effective method for removing tooth sensitivity.
It is also critical not to avoid dental care because of tooth pain. Dr. Jang can help you with your sensitivity issues in the best way possible. Ignoring your teeth can aggravate the situation. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep your smile bright and pain-free.
Also, visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. You can find a solution once you’ve identified the root cause of the problem and get yourself treated with the aid of our Dentist in Prosper, TX.
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