Should you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp ache in your mouth whereas sipping a scorching espresso or having fun with a chilly scoop of ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a remarkably frequent situation, affecting a minimum of 40 million folks in america, in accordance with the Academy of Common Dentistry. However what precisely causes delicate tooth and, extra importantly, what are you able to do about it? Let’s discover the explanations behind the discomfort and uncover efficient methods to seek out reduction.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
In line with the American Dental Affiliation (ADA), tooth sensitivity happens when the underlying layer of your tooth, referred to as dentin, turns into uncovered. Dentin incorporates microscopic tubules that result in the tooth’s nerve middle. When these tubules are uncovered, exterior stimuli like scorching, 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 arduous, consuming acidic meals and drinks, or grinding tooth.
- Gum illness, which might trigger gums to recede and expose the delicate root.
- Cracked or chipped tooth, which might expose the interior layers of the tooth.
- Current dental work, which can trigger momentary sensitivity.
- Outdated, worn fillings.
- Some tooth whitening merchandise.
Widespread Triggers
Sure meals and drinks usually tend to exacerbate tooth sensitivity because of their temperature, acidity or sugar content material. These embrace:
- Highly regarded meals like scorching soup and low.
- 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 underneath gums.
- Laborious, crunchy meals like ice and arduous sweet, which might injury tooth enamel.
Remedies
Tooth sensitivity is usually treatable proper at dwelling by avoiding offending meals or utilizing a toothpaste particularly designed for delicate tooth. Nevertheless, if at-home therapies aren’t sufficient, your dentist might suggest an in-office remedy primarily based on the underlying reason behind the sensitivity. These might embrace:
- Fluoride varnish or gel.
- Dental bonding.
- A filling, inlay or crown.
- Gum graft.
- Root canal in additional extreme instances.
In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to speak to our workforce! We might help you establish the reason for the sensitivity and suggest essentially the most acceptable course of remedy.