Sensitive Teeth or Tooth Sensitivity, or “Dentin Hypersensitivity,” is exactly what sounds like pain or discomfort in the teeth in response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures.
It can be a temporary or chronic problem and can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth of the same individual. This can have many causes, but most cases of sensitive teeth are easily treated with a change in your oral hygiene regimen.
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Get A Second OpinionSometimes, tooth sensitivity results from brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Over time, these can wear out the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow tubes or channels leading to your dental nerves.
Exposure to extreme temperatures or too acidic or sticky foods can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort. The easiest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and be softer when brushing.
If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acid foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles may cause pain. However, avoiding these foods can help you avoid dental discomfort.
Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, teeth grinding can wear it down. Doing this exposes the dentin or the middle layer of the tooth that holds the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. Ask your dentist for a mouth guard to keep you from squeaking.
Many manufacturers add whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulations; some people are more sensitive to it than others. If your toothpaste contains bleach, consider switching to one that does not.
Like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can increase tooth sensitivity, especially if your dentin is exposed. Instead, try to flush with neutral fluoride or skip the flushing and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.
Receding gums, which is increasingly common with age (especially if you have not been monitoring your dental health), can lead to sensitive teeth. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will make a plan to treat the underlying disease and may also suggest a procedure to seal your teeth.
Flossing and brushing aim to remove plaque that forms after eating. Excessive plaque buildup can lead to tooth enamel wear, which can make teeth more sensitive as they lose the protection provided by the enamel. The solution is to practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist for cleanings every six months—or more frequently.
It is common to experience some tenderness after root canal treatment, extraction, or crown placement. If the symptoms do not go away after a short time, schedule another visit to your dentist, as this could be a sign of infection.
A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond sensitive teeth. Your dentist must assess your tooth and decide on the right treatment, such as copying or extraction.
Fillings can weaken, fracture, or leak around the edges as we age. Bacteria can easily build up in these tiny crevices, causing acid build-up and enamel breakdown. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice this type of sensitive teeth between visits; in most cases, the fillings can be easily replaced.
After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block the pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of nonprescription products. Ask your dentist which product is best for your dental care.
Your dentist may apply fluoride to sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest using prescription fluoride at home, applied via a personalized tray.
Sometimes, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying an adhesive resin to sensitive root surfaces. Local anaesthesia may be necessary.
If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount can also be taken from your mouth and attached to the affected site. This will protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
If your tooth sensitivity causes severe pain and other treatments are ineffective, your dentist can recommend a root canal- a procedure used to treat problems with the tooth's soft core (dental pulp). Although this may seem an important treatment, it is considered the most effective technique for removing sensitive teeth.
Here are some home remedies that help with sensitive teeth:
Sesame oil or coconut oil can help reduce sensitive teeth. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice originating in India, which involves swirling the oil around the mouth for several minutes before spitting it out.
Chewing on guava leaves or using a topical gel that contains guava leaf extract can help reduce tooth pain and sensitivity.
People have long utilized clove oil as a popular remedy for toothaches. Research suggests that there is more than just tradition.
Garlic is a traditional remedy for a range of health problems. One use of garlic in traditional medicine is to treat toothache. Chewing on a piece of garlic briefly produces a compound called allicin. Allicin has antimicrobial properties and can help kill bacteria that can lead to oral diseases, such as Streptococcus mutans.
Another way to fight bacteria in the mouth and improve oral hygiene is using a saltwater mouthwash. To make a saltwater rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Then run the saltwater around your mouth several times before spitting it out.
Capsaicin is a spicy substance naturally present in chili peppers. Although capsaicin can cause burns when a person applies it to their skin or gums, it can also reduce pain. Applying capsaicin gel to the gums can relieve pain in sensitive teeth.
Turmeric is a yellow spice and an Ayurvedic remedy for reducing inflammation. It contains curcumin, which can help relieve pain. To reduce tooth pain and sensitivity, a person can try making a paste by mixing turmeric and water and then rubbing it into their gums. However, no scientific research has yet supported this use of turmeric.
Using dental products that contain fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities and can also help minimize sensitive teeth. There are many forms of fluoride treatment suitable for everyday use, including:
Desensitizing toothpaste contains agents that make dentin less permeable. Dentin is a hard, porous tissue that is found under the enamel layer of all teeth. When the dentin is less permeable, it means that it is more difficult for the liquid to pass through it. Reduced patency protects the nerve below, which helps decrease sensitive teeth and pain.
Dental desensitizing agents include:
Using a desensitizing toothpaste that contains potassium is an option for people with sensitive teeth
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Book an AppointmentIf you experience sensitive teeth for the first time, make an appointment with your dentist. They can examine the health of your teeth and look for potential problems such as cavities, loose fillings, or receding gums that could be causing the sensitivity.
Your dentist will do this during your routine dental cleaning. They will clean your teeth and do a visual examination. They can touch your teeth using dental instruments to check for sensitivity and order an x-ray on your teeth to rule out causes such as cavities.
If a person experiences persistent or severe tooth pain and tenderness, they should see their dentist for a checkup.
According to the cause and severity of sensitivity, a dentist may recommend:
People can help protect their tooth enamel and prevent sensitive teeth by:
Sensitive teeth are caused by faded tooth enamel or exposed nerves in your teeth. When you eat or drink something extremely hot or cold, you may experience a sudden, sharp flash of pain.
This can cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, but it usually wears off after a week or two. Whether you have one or more sensitive teeth, it is wise to see your dentist immediately.
Having a sensitive tooth is a fairly common problem, but what does it mean? Cold-sensitive teeth are the most common and can be caused by receding gums. Of more concern is having heat-sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is discomfort or pain in the teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. It occurs when the enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin and its tubules that lead to the tooth's nerve.
Tooth sensitivity can last from a few days to several weeks. It depends on the cause, such as recent dental work or enamel erosion. If it persists longer, a dentist should be consulted.
Yes, it is normal. Sensitivity after a filling is common due to irritation of the tooth's nerve during the procedure. This usually subsides within a few days to weeks. If it persists, contact your dentist.
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