Do hot or cold drinks, ice cream, breathing cold air, or just brushing your teeth cause you pain? Then most certainly, you have sensitive teeth. Usually tooth hypersensitivity presents as temporary tooth discomfort or pain after eating cold foods, drinking cold liquids or just by breathing cold air. For millions of people, sensitive teeth can make favorite hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy due to the pain and discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity. Research reveals that one in three adults suffer from sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth or dentinal hypersensitivity as dental practitioners call it is common among the 25-45 age group, however, it can occur at any age. Most commonly, the problem begins when dentin, the second layer of the tooth, becomes exposed when the gums recede due to two primary reasons. First, incorrect brushing technique and vigorous brushing. It is estimated that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. Over weeks, months and years of rigid toothbrushing causes removal of sDo hot or cold drinks, ice cream, breathing cold air, or just brushing your teeth cause you pain? Then most certainly, you have sensitive teeth. Usually tooth hypersensitivity presents as temporary tooth discomfort or pain after eating cold foods, drinking cold liquids or just by breathing cold air. For millions of people, sensitive teeth can make favorite hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy due to the pain and discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity. Research reveals that one in three adults suffer from sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth or dentinal hypersensitivity as dental practitioners call it is common among the 25-45 age group, however, it can occur at any age. Most commonly, the problem begins when dentin, the second layer of the tooth, becomes exposed when the gums recede due to two primary reasons. First, incorrect brushing technique and vigorous brushing. It is estimated that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. Over weeks, months and years of rigid toothbrushing causes removal of significant tooth tissue that exposes the root portion of the tooth. Second is poor oral hygiene that can lead to plaque build-up around the teeth and the gums. When plaque hardens, it develops into tartar (Calcular deposits). The presence of bacteria in the tartar are responsible for gingivitis and periodontal (gum) diseases that causes gum recession. The exposed roots contain small pores or tubules which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Pain pressure or cold stimuli can travel down the small pores and trigger the tooth nerve that causes pain and discomfort. Normally, the gums of the tooth serve as the outer covering to prevent stimuli from reaching the small pores.
So, how do we prevent tooth sensitivity? The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is to maintain good oral hygiene and to keep the gums from receding. Reducing the pressure we produce when we brush our teeth helps tremendously. Studies reveal that most individuals brush their teeth on the average at 45 seconds resulting to overzealous and rigid brushing. Ideally, tooth brushing should be done from 2-3 minutes at minimal phase to avoid exerting too much pressure. For well-off individuals, the use of an advanced electric toothbrushes (plaque remover) such as Braun or Sonicare is advisable. These toothbrushes feature sensors that stop the brush when you apply too much pressure during brushing.
How do we stop sensitive teeth? For those who experience tooth sensitivity most often, there are special toothpastes available in the market designed for sensitive teeth which comes in several varieties, some containing fresh mint gel and baking soda with fluoride. Instead of your normal toothpaste, you use this special toothpaste twice daily to help block the pain by preventing the pain impulse from reaching the nerve. After regular use of this toothpaste, one can expect relief from sensitivity by ensuring that pain does not recur.
If the pain is of very high intensity and of prolonged duration, it is always wise to visit your dentist for professional dental care management. Remember, an “ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.”