Teeth sensitivity 101

Up to 52% of patients at general dentistry clinics have sensitive teeth, according to earlier studies published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

We all have heard these at least once in our lives: “I had a sweet, but the teeth can’t take it!” or “I love ice cream, but I’m scared of the chilling sensation it gives my teeth; it’s scary!”. If you are the one who has been saying it, then you have tooth sensitivity.

Now, we’ll dive deeper into what exactly this sensitivity is, how it happens, how it affects a person, how you can improve your oral health, and much more. We’ll discuss such lingering questions further in our blog.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Extreme changes in temperature due to weather, harsh chemicals in toothpaste, allergic content present in food, and if you have had a recent operation or mouth surgery, a root canal, etc., all influence your oral health in a matter of seconds.

Factors like brushing teeth harshly, genetic gum recession, gum infections, teeth grinding, aging, plaque buildup, and using teeth-whitening products without consulting your dentist can lead to tooth sensitivity, which can be painful if left untreated.

So, be mindful of what you consume and of the environment that you expose yourself to.

How does it happen?

It all starts on the surface and travels back to the roots, always! The roots of your teeth include thousands of small tubules that lead to the interior of your tooth but aren’t protected by strong enamel (the pulp). The nerve in your tooth is stimulated by stimuli like hot, cold, or sweet food through these dentinal tubules (or channels), which cause the pain you experience.

Why having dental sensitivity is embarrassing?

“According to a recent survey of American dental facilities, one in eight people have overly sensitive teeth.”

Tooth sensitivity can be incredibly embarrassing and have long-lasting effects. Thousands of individuals around the globe are affected by the exceedingly prevalent condition of tooth sensitivity.

It affects a person’s lifestyle on a regular basis. It can affect a person’s overall well-being and lifestyle by inflicting pain, interfering with daily chores, and making it difficult for them to engage in certain activities or consume particular foods.

It can prevent a person from having their favorite cuisine or drinking a beverage on the basis of its temperature, be it hot or cold. It puts a limitation on someone as they may have to opt for foods and drinks with a neutral temperature. One might have to shift their toothpaste preference, as it has chemicals that also affect dental health, though the intensity of the sensation differs from person to person.

If one’s teeth are too sensitive to handle it, even simple tasks like drinking a hot cup of coffee can cause embarrassment. A seemingly unimportant problem like sensitivity can make people feel even worse by reducing their confidence and embarrassing them in public.

When does tooth sensitivity happen?

Your teeth become more vulnerable to temperature variations, taste, and other factors. It happens when the gums recede or the tooth enamel deteriorates. And that is when you feel your teeth are more responsive to a certain stimulus. This is the telltale sign for tooth discomfort, cracked teeth, improper fillings, gum inflammation, or deteriorated dental health. A word to the wise is to adopt healthy oral habits.

How can you prevent tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is an unpleasant and sometimes painful dental condition that can occur when a tooth’s outer layer wears away. It is one of the most common oral health issues and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as drinking acidic or sugary beverages, brushing the teeth too aggressively, consuming highly processed and acidic foods, or having deep cavities in the teeth.

With some proactive dental care and the following techniques, we can take action to ensure our mouths remain healthy.

Following are some easy-to-do tips and tricks to keep tooth sensitivity at bay:

Desensitizing toothpaste: Using toothpaste that helps you block over responsiveness to a specific sensation helps you reduce tooth sensitivity. Many over-the-counter products are available; seeking a professional’s advice is a must before using any product.

Fluoride: A dentist might apply fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.

Your dentist can prescribe fluoride at home, which is applied via a custom tray.

Desensitizing agents or bonding agents: Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. It can help reduce discomfort that is caused by direct contact between food and your exposed gum.

Gum graft surgery: A piece of lost gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.

Root canal treatment: If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and require other treatments.

Fortunately, these are some simple ways to prevent tooth sensitivity and keep your pearly whites healthy. Taking certain steps to strengthen enamel and protect your gums from diseases can go a long way in preventing tooth sensitivity.

How much does a tooth desensitizing procedure cost?

The cost of a teeth-desensitizing procedure can vary significantly depending on the type of procedure that is needed and the dentist performing the procedure. However, on average, the cost of a teeth-desensitizing procedure can range from $100 to $500.

Conclusion:

Discovering the best method for dealing with tooth sensitivity can enable you to live your life to the fullest. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to form healthy oral habits, including brushing properly every day and using fluoride toothpaste. Also, you can reduce tooth sensitivity by avoiding products like sweets, acidic beverages, and sticky foods. With this in mind, you may lead a healthier lifestyle and maintain a comfortable mouth without having to worry about your teeth hurting when something hot or cold touches them. Want us to help your bright pearls shine healthier? contact us today! For more information about what Berkers Family Dentistry is and can do for you, know more at our Services page.