Have you ever winced while brushing your teeth or tucking into some ice cream? This is often due to tooth sensitivity, a condition that affects many people. As a dental practice, we encounter patients daily who complain about tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is not exclusive to older adults, it can affect anyone. For some, the sensitivity is mild, while for others, the discomfort can significantly disrupt their daily lives. In this insights article, we will discuss the causes, treatments, and lifestyle tips to reduce sensitivity and improve your oral health.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
In the dental industry, tooth sensitivity is commonly known as dental hypersensitivity. So, what causes tooth sensitivity? It occurs due to the exposure of sensitive areas of your teeth (dentine), often triggered by stimuli like eating or drinking. In many cases, even cold air or brushing your teeth can lead to discomfort. Below are some statistics provided by Dentaly.org:
- Nearly one in three adults in the UK will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives. Worldwide, the figure stands at 30%, comparable to the UK.
- It is most prevalent among those aged 20 to 40; however, as mentioned previously, it can affect people at any age.
Common Causes
There are many possible causes of tooth sensitivity. Understanding the cause of the sensitivity is essential for starting effective treatment. While some causes stem from lifestyle habits, others are unavoidable due to underlying health conditions. Some of the most common ones witnessed by our dental team include:
- Erosion of enamel due to the consumption of too many acidic foods, such as fizzy drinks.
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep, can slowly erode away at the teeth's enamel.
- Teeth that are damaged, such as those with chips, can expose the dentine and result in pain.
- Recession of gums can be caused by brushing teeth too hard, disease, or natural causes.
- General tooth decay.
- Health conditions, such as reflux, that expose teeth to stomach acids.
Can Lifestyle Contribute To Sensitivity?
Lifestyle habits can significantly influence tooth sensitivity. Like many health-related concerns, these habits have a direct impact on our well-being. As a dental practice, it is crucial for us to identify the root cause of the sensitivity and address factors contributing to it. Several factors that can make a difference are outlined below.
- Smoking can cause gum-related issues and irritation, leading to gum recession.
- Regular brushing of your teeth is important; however, if done too aggressively and with excessive pressure, it can damage the enamel and gums.
- Neglecting regular dental check-ups allows conditions that could otherwise be easily cured to go unchecked.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to tooth decay and sensitivity due to the acidic levels in certain drinks.
- Consumption of too many sugary foods (sweets, biscuits) causes tooth decay and exposes sensitive areas of the teeth.
- Failing to stay hydrated can result in decreased saliva, which is essential for protecting tooth enamel.
Dental Treatments To Help
Your dentist can provide various treatments to help with tooth sensitivity. The nature of the problem, how it has developed, and its severity will determine the appropriate course of action. Below are some of the more common treatments outlined:
- Fillings: Fillings can be used to restore the area that is exposing the dentin, causing the pain and sensitivity.
- Root canal: Dentists will need to confirm that a root canal is necessary, which will be determined through a visual examination and an X-ray. You can find information on the root canal treatment process on our root canal treatment page.
- Mouthguards, also known as nightguards and occlusal splints, help protect enamel and prevent dentin exposure. Densitis will take a custom mould of your mouth to ensure a perfect fit.
- Gum grafting: A receded gum exposes the sensitive area of a tooth. Recession can occur for various reasons, such as disease, brushing too hard, or bruxism. Essentially, grafted tissue is placed over the exposed area, forming a protective shield.
Tips To Try At Home
During your dental check-up, speak with your dentist about how you can actively implement strategies at home to manage sensitivity. By adopting simple habits, you can create a positive impact. The following are a few straightforward techniques.
- Toothbrush and paste: Select a toothbrush with a soft head and rounded bristles, and brush gently. In addition, use a desensitising toothpaste that contains more favourable ingredients for sensitive teeth.
- Diet: Diet can be a major factor in causing and controlling tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods and drinks should be avoided, and rinsing with water after eating is also recommended. Sugary foods and drinks should also be avoided if possible.
- Regular checkups: Regular checkups with your dentist are crucial for identifying, managing, and preventing dental issues. Early detection is always better than waiting for the issue to manifest into something much worse.
- Straws: Straws can complement your diet by preventing sugary and acidic foods from coming into contact with your teeth. Sip slowly to ensure that the liquid doesn't touch your teeth.
Summary
At Kew Road Dental, we understand the significant impact tooth sensitivity can have on your everyday life and are committed to helping you. For more information about our services or to book an appointment, contact our friendly team.