More about sensitive Teeth
Do you suffer from dental pain when eating your favourite ice cream or when trying to enjoy a hot coffee? If you do you could be one of the many people with sensitive teeth.
Sensitivity is a common complaint and normally is a result of the protective enamel surface of the tooth being worn down and exposing the root or nerve underneath.
Sensitive teeth symptoms
People with sensitive teeth often experience short, sharp painful sensations in their affected teeth as a response to certain triggers. This can be felt in the roots of the teeth and can cause great discomfort. The most common triggers of tooth sensitivity are:
- Hot drinks and foods
- Cool drinks and foods
- Sweet drinks and foods
- Acidic drinks and foods
- Cold air
- Brushing and flossing teeth
- Alcohol-based mouthwash
These sensitive teeth symptoms can vary in intensity and time frames. It is difficult to predict when tooth sensitivity will hit and how long it will last.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive tooth pain can come more naturally and frequently to some people due to them having thinner enamel. The tooth is protected by an outer layer and that is what we refer to as enamel. Tooth enamel can be worn down from several things, such as:
- Using a very hard toothbrush
- Brushing teeth too aggressively
- Grinding teeth at night
- Drinking or eating acidic drinks and foods regularly
There are several other conditions that can lead to tooth sensitivity. For example, gastroesophageal reflux can contribute to acid coming up from the stomach, through the oesophagus, which may wear down teeth over a period of time. Conditions such as bulimia or gastroparesis, which cause frequent vomiting, can also contribute to the wear down of enamel due to excess acid exposed to the lining of teeth.
Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by gum recession which leaves sections of the tooth exposed and unprotected.
Other conditions such as broken and chipped teeth or tooth decay can also lead to tooth sensitivity. This is likely to only cause sensitive teeth pain in one particular tooth or region in the mouth instead of the majority of teeth.
Is there any treatment to fix tooth sensitivity?
If you are suffering pain from sensitive teeth it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they diagnose the problem and outline a suitable treatment, enabling you to enjoy your favourite foods again pain-free.
Are you suffering from sensitive teeth? If so, contact Ravenscourt Dental Practice now on 020 8748 4023 or email: [email protected]
