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Can’t enjoy cold drinks? Has your favourite ice-cream lost it’s taste? Till when do you plan to ignore your tooth sensitivity and sacrifice indulging in the little pleasures of life? Tooth Sensitivity takes more from you than you think. Here’s the 101 on Tooth Sensitivity.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Dentin Hypersensitivity or Root Sensitivity is commonly known as Tooth Sensitivity. About half the population of adults experience tooth sensitivity and it can come and go depending on how you take care of your oral hygiene. If cold, hot or acidic foods and beverages shoots a sharp pain or causes discomfort in your teeth, you have tooth sensitivity. The good part however, is that tooth sensitivity problem can be solved easily and effectively.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth Sensitivity is very common and can happen to anyone. It can manifest with time due to gum recession or your tooth enamel getting thinner exposing the inner part of the tooth called the dentin. The pain can easily subside over time though. Some of the factors that contribute in causing tooth sensitivity are:

1. Brushing too much or using a hard-bristle toothbrush can wear your tooth enamel and encourage gum recession.
2. Cracked teeth can create spaces in the teeth for bacteria to grow that can further cause inflammation in the pulp of the tooth.
3. Overusing over the counter mouthwashes can be extremely acidic and increase tooth sensitivity by further damaging the dentin. You can use fluoride based mouthwashes instead to avoid damaging your teeth.
4. Gum recession usually occurs for people suffering from periodontal diseases that can expose the dentin hence, causing tooth sensitivity.

What to do In Case of Tooth Sensitivity?

After you start experiencing tooth sensitivity, you should always find out what to do about it. Your dentist will give you the right and the most effective options and oral routine tips to solve your sensitivity problems. There are several types of treatments available when it comes to tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will look at your teeth and determine the root of the problem for you, finding you the best course of treatment.

Here are some in house treatments that you can do for sensitive teeth:

1. Using a desensitizing toothpaste which is fluoride based helps in improving tooth sensitivity. You can try to spread a thin layer of this toothpaste on the exposed roots before going to bed.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush as it won’t be too harsh on your gums.
3. You should avoid teeth grinding since it can chip your teeth and damage the enamel of the teeth.
4. Try to avoid acidic foods and beverages as they wear the layer of tooth enamel.

Here are some Dental treatments that you can be done for sensitive teeth:

1. Bonding, Inlays and Onlays: These can fix tooth flaws or decay that can cause sensitivity. Exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.
2. Fluoride Treatment: Your dentist might apply fluoride to affected regions of the root of the teeth. Also, you will be given directions to apply fluoride at home using trays.
3. Surgical Gum Graft: If your tooth has lost gum tissue then a small piece of gum tissue can be taken from some other part of the mouth and placed there. This will protect your tooth roots and therefore, reduce sensitivity.
4. Root Canal Treatment: If you are experiencing extreme pain in your teeth then a root canal treatment may be suggested to relieve pain in the inner layer of the tooth called the pulp. Though this procedure seems extensive, it is very effective in relieving tooth pain.