In case you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp ache in your mouth whereas sipping a sizzling espresso or having fun with a chilly scoop of ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a remarkably widespread challenge, affecting no less than 40 million folks in the US, in line with the Academy of Basic Dentistry. However what precisely causes delicate enamel and, extra importantly, what are you able to do about it? Let’s discover the explanations behind the discomfort and uncover efficient methods to search out reduction.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
In accordance with the American Dental Affiliation (ADA), tooth sensitivity happens when the underlying layer of your tooth, known as dentin, turns into uncovered. Dentin accommodates microscopic tubules that result in the tooth’s nerve middle. When these tubules are uncovered, exterior stimuli like sizzling, chilly, candy or acidic meals can attain the nerves, inflicting ache. A number of elements can contribute to the event of tooth sensitivity, together with:
- Worn tooth enamel from brushing too onerous, consuming acidic meals and drinks, or grinding enamel.
- Gum illness, which might trigger gums to recede and expose the delicate root.
- Cracked or chipped enamel, which might expose the interior layers of the tooth.
- Current dental work, which can trigger momentary sensitivity.
- Outdated, worn fillings.
- Some enamel whitening merchandise.
Widespread Triggers
Sure meals and drinks usually tend to exacerbate tooth sensitivity on account of their temperature, acidity or sugar content material. These embrace:
- Very popular meals like sizzling soup and occasional.
- Very chilly meals like popsicles and ice cream.
- Acidic meals and drinks like citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), tomatoes, pickles, sodas and sports activities drinks.
- Chewy sweets like gummy bears, which might get caught inside open cavities and beneath gums.
- Onerous, crunchy meals like ice and onerous sweet, which might harm tooth enamel.
Remedies
Tooth sensitivity is usually treatable proper at dwelling by avoiding offending meals or utilizing a toothpaste particularly designed for delicate enamel. Nevertheless, if at-home therapies will not be sufficient, your dentist could suggest an in-office remedy primarily based on the underlying explanation for the sensitivity. These could embrace:
- Fluoride varnish or gel.
- Dental bonding.
- A filling, inlay or crown.
- Gum graft.
- Root canal in additional extreme circumstances.
In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to speak to our workforce! We may also help you identify the reason for the sensitivity and suggest probably the most applicable course of remedy.
