Sensitive teeth are a condition when there is a sensation of aches and pains in the teeth. These sensations appear in response to a number of conditions, for example from eating or drinking hot or cold. Tooth sensitivity can occur temporarily or in the long term, in either one tooth or several teeth.
Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth
Someone who has sensitive teeth will feel a sensation of pain and aches, especially at the root of the tooth. These sensations arise in response to a number of things, including:
- Consuming hot or cold food and drinks
- Consuming sweet or sour foods and drinks
- Clean your teeth, either with a brush or dental floss
- Using mouthwash with alcohol content
- Exposed to cold air.
Symptoms of tooth sensitivity can be mild to severe, and may go away or come on on their own.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth are caused by a number of conditions, including:
1. Email thinning
Email or enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that serves to protect the tooth from decay. Although enamel is the strongest tissue in the human body, it can also be thinned or damaged. The thinner the enamel, the higher the risk of sensitive teeth.
The thinning of the enamel can be triggered by the consumption of sweet, sour foods or drinks, soft drinks, frequent eating of ice cubes, and excessive consumption of vitamin C.
2. Condition of teeth and mouth
Broken, cavities or decaying teeth can expose the dentin (the substance under tooth enamel) and lead to tooth sensitivity. Another condition in the mouth that can cause sensitive teeth is receding gums. Shrinkage of the gums can leave the roots of the teeth exposed and unprotected.
3. Stomach condition
Sensitive teeth can also be caused by acid reflux disease or GERD. Stomach acid that rises from the stomach and esophagus, can erode tooth enamel, if it occurs in the long term. In addition to acid reflux disease, other medical conditions that can cause sensitive teeth are gastroparesis or gastric emptying disorders, as well as eating disorders such as bulimia.
4. Bad Habits
Some bad habits can also cause sensitive teeth, especially if they last for a long time. For example, brushing your teeth too hard or using a rough toothbrush. The habit of grinding teeth while sleeping (bruxism) can also trigger sensitive teeth.
5. Medical procedures
Some medical procedures on teeth, such as fillings and teeth whitening, can also cause sensitive teeth. However, sensitive teeth that arise as a result of medical procedures are only temporary, and will disappear within a few days.
Diagnosis of Sensitive Teeth
Doctors can suspect a patient has sensitive teeth if there are a number of symptoms described above. However, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will check whether there are conditions that trigger sensitive teeth, such as cavities or receding gums. If necessary, the doctor will run an X-ray examination, to see if the condition of the teeth or esophagus.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment
To overcome the symptoms of mild sensitive teeth, patients can use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brush your teeth slowly to help relieve symptoms. If you use mouthwash, choose a mouthwash that is free of alcohol. If the above steps don't relieve your symptoms, talk to your dentist about the right treatment method.
The method of treatment for sensitive teeth depends on the underlying cause. The doctor may prescribe a special toothpaste to block the sensation of pain, or a gel containing fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel. Meanwhile, if sensitive teeth are caused by cavities, a filling procedure is necessary.
If sensitive teeth are caused by certain medical conditions, such as GERD or bulimia, the doctor will treat these conditions first, to prevent further enamel damage. GERD can be treated with drugs that reduce gastric acid production, while bulimia treatment requires psychotherapy.
Sensitive teeth caused by receding gums can be overcome by brushing your teeth gently, and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, if the shrinkage is severe enough and causes severe tooth sensitivity, the doctor will suggest a gum graft. This procedure is done by taking a small amount of tissue from the upper palate to be attached to the damaged gum area.
Learning to manage stress and cutting back on caffeinated drinks can also help prevent teeth grinding. However, if the habit persists, the patient can use a dental guard to prevent tooth decay.
In the case of sensitive teeth that cannot be treated with the above methods, the doctor will perform root canal treatment. This procedure involves drilling the tooth to remove the damaged pulp inside the tooth. After the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth will be given an antibiotic paste to prevent infection. Then, the doctor will close the cavity with a filling.
Sensitive Teeth Prevention
To prevent sensitive teeth, keep your mouth and teeth clean by brushing your teeth twice a day. Use a toothbrush with a soft tip, and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is important to brush your teeth slowly, and clean the gaps using dental floss.
If the habit of grinding teeth does not go away, the patient can ask the doctor to make a dental guard. However, if the habit of grinding teeth is severe enough, the patient may require surgery to change the position of the teeth, or medication to relax the oral muscles.
In addition to the steps above, avoid sour and sweet foods or drinks. Instead, consume cheese, milk, and fruit and vegetables because they can remove acids and bacteria that damage teeth.
Another preventative measure is to stop whitening your teeth, because the procedure can trigger sensitive teeth, even if only temporarily. It is recommended to consult with a dentist first if you want to continue with the procedure.