Ouch! – Tackle Those Sensitive Teeth

That burst of electricity that begins from your teeth and travels in an instant to the rest of your cheek and face is caused by an exposed dentin. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems and most people suffer from this some time or the other. Sensitivity involves a sudden sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold. Sensitivity can also result when you eat sour and sweet foods and beverages, and you can even feel that familiar, uncomfortable pain when cold air touches your teeth.

There is a simple explanation for why your teeth suddenly become torturously sensitive. When the gum tissue that covers the root of the tooth is pulled back or recedes, it exposes the dentin which lies underneath. The roots that are connected to the pulp or the nerve center can allow extreme temperatures, sweet and sour foods and other kinds of triggers to access the tooth nerve. When this happens, you feel sharp pain that can last for a few seconds.

Tooth sensitivity can result from

Aggressive brushing
Brushing too hard or brushing with a toothbrush with hard bristles can erode the tooth enamel. This exposes the dentin, and also causes the gum tissue to recede or pull back from the teeth.

Gum disease
Persons who suffer from gingivitis and gum disease may have inflamed gum tissue. This tissue can lack supporting ligaments, leading to the root being exposed. Any stimuli will now directly access the nerves of the tooth. 

Teeth grinding
People who suffer from bruxism or the act of clenching or grinding teeth particularly during sleep may notice sensitivity because the tooth enamel gets eroded exposing the dentin. Grinding in your sleep can lead to tooth sensitivity.

Periodontal Disease
In patients who suffer from periodontal disease, gums begin to recede from the tooth exposing the root to sensitivity. 

Plaque accumulation
Plaque builds up on the surface of the tooth as a result of improper cleaning and poor oral hygiene habits. Leftover food debris can interact with oral bacteria, and this leads to the formation of plaque on the teeth, as well as the root surface.

Diet
People who eat high acid content foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits can have a higher level of erosion of dental enamel. Also aerated drinks, tea and pickles can wear down enamel.

Oral hygiene products
Some mouthwashes and tooth whitening products contain ingredients that can make teeth sensitive. For instance, a mouth wash may contain acids and tooth whitening products can contain peroxide and baking soda that can make teeth sensitive.

Cracked teeth
Cracked or broken teeth can quickly begin collecting bacteria and these can access the pulp. An inflamed pulp means sensitive teeth.

Age
People aged between 25 and 30 have the highest risk of tooth sensitivity.

Dental treatment
Certain routine dental procedures can lead to tooth sensitivity. For instance a professional teeth cleaning by your dentist, placement of a crown, root planning can cause some amount of sensitivity although this only lasts for a few weeks.

Tackling tooth sensitivity

• Brush and floss daily.
• Use only a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Use a special desensitizing toothpaste.
• Avoid acidic foods, citrus fruits, aerated drinks etc.
• If you grind your teeth in your sleep, use a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
• Use a fluoridated mouth rinse and tooth paste.
• Visit your dentist regularly.