What does it mean when you say sensitive teeth?

When teeth are subjected to hot or cold temperatures, acidic foods and beverages, or both, the nerves in the tooth get irritated, causing pain or discomfort.Additionally, while eating or chewing, flossing, or brushing your teeth, you may experience sensitivity.

Enamel, a hard layer that protects teeth above the gum line, is used as this term. Cementum, a similar material, serves to shield the roots. The tooth's dentin layer is covered by the enamel and cementum.

Dentin is equally rigid, but it contains tiny channels called tubules. The pulp, which is the vital or living portion of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels, is located in the core of the tooth.

Dentin is exposed when there is damage to the enamel or cementum. The tubules of the dentin can stimulate and irritate the nerves in the teeth, which can cause pain or discomfort.

Tooth decay, trauma, erosion, or wear can all lead to damage to the cementum or enamel. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of tooth decay. Tooth decay can be avoided by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Injury to the mouth, excessive force when biting, biting on anything hard, or tooth grinding, which can wear down the teeth, can all result in tooth trauma.

The tooth enamel can dissolve by repeated exposure to stomach acid, which can happen with bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Too-vigorously brushing your teeth can also result in erosion.

Rarely do sensitive teeth indicate a medical emergency. However, dental decay, which can result in cavities and related problems, and sensitivity can coexist. The tooth may have suffered trauma, which could lead to an infection if left untreated.

If you have a cavity, damaged tooth, or other signs that point to an infection, you should seek immediate medical attention. A fever, toothache, significant overall sensitivity to heat, pain while biting or chewing, and gum swelling or redness are some of these symptoms. If you have constantly sensitive teeth, get in touch with a medical professional.

Some of the additional signs that may accompany sensitive teeth are clicking or popping sounds when expanding or closing the mouth, indigestion and heartburn, jaw ache/pain, face muscles hurt, headaches, Trismus (the inability to fully open the mouth), and loss of weight.

What brings on tooth sensitivity?

Damage to the cementum or tooth enamel can cause sensitive teeth (protective covering of the root). Cavity formation and tooth decay are frequent causes of harm. The teeth can be broken or cracked by trauma, worn down by grinding, or even harmed by overly forceful brushing. The teeth can deteriorate over time as a result of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or bulimia-related frequent vomiting.

Several habits that promote tooth decay, such as the following, might lead to sensitive teeth. Some common reasons for sensitive and painful teeth are as follows.

• mid-meal munching

• eating or drinking things that are high in sugar or starch

• ingesting gummy food

• inadequate dental visits and treatment

• Insufficient oral care, such as infrequent brushing and flossing

• causes of sensitive teeth due to trauma

Other more severe or traumatic reasons for sensitive teeth could be:

• Chomping on a hard object

• Breaking the teeth

• Teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw

• Deterioration of prior fillings or other dental treatments

• Injury to the jaw or mouth

• Ill-fitting dental equipment

Additionally, sensitive teeth can be brought on by situations or activities that wear down the tooth enamel, such as:

• Brushing forcefully

• Bulimia

• Professional whitening procedures

• GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease

How to Handle Sensitive Teeth:

Office-Based Care

It's crucial to visit a dentist and receive proper treatment for the condition because severely sensitive teeth are frequently brought on by a more complicated dental disease. Depending on the issue, a crown, inlay, or bonding may be required. You will also need to treat gum disease if it has grown to a chronic or advanced level.

Your dentist might suggest a surgical gum transplant to cover the roots so they are once again protected if you have lost gum tissue from the roots. ccording to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), a root canal eliminates the nerve so that it is no longer there to cause paind and sensitivity if you have persistent and severe sensitivity.

Treatment at Home

A desensitising toothpaste may also be able to help. A fluoride gel treatment may also be suggested by your dentist. This procedure strengthens the enamel on your teeth and lessens the nerve signals that are sent as a result.

With weight loss and bad cleanliness practises, tooth sensitivity might lower quality of life. Sensitive teeth typically signify cementum or enamel deterioration. If the damage is significant enough to these layers, which guard the tooth's crown and root, it must be treated to help lower the risk of infection. Maintaining good oral care and wearing a mouthguard at night helps decrease ongoing damage caused by decay and grinding. Regular flossing and brushing, the use of a soft toothbrush, and dental checkups are all part of good oral hygiene. Using relaxation methods and reducing your tension can stop you from grinding your teeth. A healthy diet that steers clear of acidic foods can be beneficial.

Failure to seek treatment might lead to major problems and irreversible damage since serious conditions can produce sensitive teeth.Following the treatment strategy you and your healthcare provider create especially for you after the underlying cause has been identified will help to lower your risk of future problems, such as:

• Cavities

• Unbalanced electrolytes

• Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth and jaw

• Empromandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscle pain

• Infection spreading

• Tooth infection

• Tooth decay

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned anywhere in this article, book an appointment with us today!