Tooth Sensitivity is one of the most vocal concerns amongst
dental patients according to Sunstar Gum. Tooth sensitivity causes pain when those affected eat particularly hot
or cold food and drinks, or even just from breathing through their mouth. Other
causes include pain when biting and chewing and alcohol-based mouthwash. Tooth
sensitivity also affects people of all ages, even those with otherwise perfect
teeth. According to a recent study by the Journal of Dentistry, 11.5% of adults may be affected by tooth sensitivity and
those are people who report it. Many others could be undiagnosed with tooth
sensitivity. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity it is best to get
checked out by your local dentist in Monmouth.
What Makes People More Susceptible To Tooth Sensitivity and what to do about it?
You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard
Brushing your teeth with too much force or using a
hard-bristled toothbrush can lead to tooth sensitivity over time, as œyou can
wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow
tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubes are exposed
to extreme temperatures or acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and
discomfort can result according to Everyday Health. In order to eliminate this common tooth sensitivity consider
brushing your teeth with less force and switching to a toothbrush with softer
bristles. Unfortunately brushing your teeth too hard can cause irreversible
damage to your teeth and cause your teeth to become more sensitive in the
future, your best option is to address the problem as soon as possible and take
steps to avoid making it any worse.
You Eat Acidic Foods Or Consume Hot Or Cold Drinks
As mentioned above eating acidic foods can aggravate tooth
sensitivity when your nerves are exposed, if you realise that your teeth are
extra sensitive when consuming any of the food items mentioned you should
consider limiting your intake of these types of food and drink to avoid
discomfort, or at least prepare yourself in advance.
You Grind Your Teeth
Tooth enamel is a protective outer coating to your teeth, it
protects your teeth against cavities and damage. Tooth enamel is very durable,
in fact, it is the strongest substance in your body - stronger than even your
bones and teeth themselves! But that doesn't stop tooth enamel from being
broken down slowly over time by grinding your teeth. Once the tooth enamel is
broken down your teeth are more susceptible to having those small microscopic
tubes in your teeth break down, leading to your nerves being exposed meaning
they will be very sensitive to temperature changes, acidic foods and hot or
cold drinks.
You've Been Using Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
Tooth whitening toothpaste includes chemicals that help make
your teeth whiter, but the same chemicals can also make your teeth more
sensitive, according to Everyday Health. In order to tick this cause off your list consider buying
toothpaste that doesn't mention tooth whitening on the packet.
You Use Mouthwash That Contains Alcohol
Some mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that
can make your teeth more sensitive, if you are finding your mouthwash is
causing your teeth to be more sensitive consider switching out to a mouthwash
that doesn't include mouthwash. Or just stop using mouthwash and make sure that
you brush your teeth properly, but not too hard!
You Have Gum Disease
According to the Cleveland Clinic, œInflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity because of the
loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads
directly to the nerve of the tooth. If you notice that your gums have been
more red recently this may be a sign of gingivitis or a more serious gum
disease, you should book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will then work with you to come up with an action plan to help
combat the gum disease.
You Have Too Much Plaque On Your Teeth
Excessive plaque can cause your tooth enamel to wear away,
again leading to the microscopic holes on your teeth being exposed; causing
your nerves to be more affected by temperature changes and acidic or sticky
foods. In order to reduce the risk of this happening ensure that you practice
good dental care through regular brushing.
You've Recently Had A Dental Procedure
If you have recently had a dental procedure such as a tooth
extraction, root canal or placement of a crown you may experience tooth
sensitivity for a few hours. This discomfort should disappear within a few
hours, if symptoms don't disappear by the next day it could be a sign of a
tooth infection and you should make another appointment with your dentist as
soon as possible. You should also avoid any of the following:
- Hot or Cold Drinks
- Acidic Food or Drink
- Sticky Food or Drinks
- Alcohol Based Mouthwash
Your Tooth Is Cracked
Chipped or cracked teeth can expose the nerves within,
meaning they will be more sensitive to any of the problem food or drink groups
that are directly above. This is a dental issue that would be best resolved by
a dentist, who can work with you to find the best solution to your problem.
Why Do We Have Nerves in Our Teeth In The First Place?
According to New Scientist nerve endings are responsible for an alert signal that prevents
mechanical damage to the teeth, differentiating between hard and soft or hot
and cold elements. Meaning nerves in your teeth are actually there to alert
you to something that you are doing that is negatively impacting your teeth, so
that you can stop doing it. This is similar to if you put your hand next to a
hot stove, the nerves in your hand send pain signals to your brain causing you
to move your hand away from the heat source.
Common Causes Of Sensitive Gums And What Can Be Done About It
Gum Disease
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on the teeth,
plaque is œa sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that
mix in your mouth according to Humana.
Plaque also contains bacteria which contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
Excess plaque can lead to inflammation of the gums or gum disease. Gingivitis
is a mild form of gum disease that can cause gum discomfort and repeated
bleeding of the gums when brushing your teeth. It is recommended that if you
think you have gingivitis you should make an appointment with your dentist so
that you can work together to come up with an action plan to combat the gingivitis
for the betterment of your oral health. Periodontitis is a more serious variant
of gum disease, œwithout treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that
supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.
according to the Mayo Clinic. If you think you have either of these types of gum disease you
should book an appointment with the dentist and radically improve your dental
healthcare routine.
Stress
Prolonged stress can weaken your immune system over time,
this is ˜because stress decreases the body's lymphocytes, the white blood cells
that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte levels, the more
you're at risk for viruses like the common cold." according to Penn
Medicine. Having a reduced immune system can put you at risk of
inflammation in the body, if the inflammation occurs on or near your gums your
gums can become more sensitive for a period of time until the inflammation
subsides.
Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) œSmoking weakens your body's infection
fighters (your immune system). This makes it harder to fight off a gum
infection. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums
to heal. If you have been feeling under the weather recently and your gums
have been more sensitive than normal, why not consider starting to cut down on
how many cigarettes you have a day? Cutting down on smoking particularly if you
have been smoking for a long time should be done in a slow controlled process,
if you just suddenly stop smoking you are much more likely to pick up the habit
again.
Hormonal Changes In Women
Hormonal changes in women œcan impact the blood supply to
the gums and can modify how the body responds to plaque buildup, according to
the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This can make your body less able to fight off
infections and disease, leading to your gums being less able to fight off gum
disease. If you are currently experiencing hormonal changes such as you are
pregnant or experiencing menopause you should make an extra effort to ensure
that your teeth are well looked after, with regular teeth brushing and use of
mouthwash.
Tooth Growth
Tooth growth doesn't just happen when we are kids, but
adults also experience tooth growth of our wisdom teeth. When a wisdom tooth
grows it increases pressure on your gums which can lead to sensitivity. Also,
wisdom teeth are harder to reach than other teeth meaning that dental plaque
can build up more easily. To avoid problems with your wisdom teeth ensure that
you make an extra effort to brush your wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
To conclude both teeth and gum sensitivity can be reduced by
ensuring that you have a good oral healthcare routine and cutting down on
sugary foods and drinks. If you smoke you should also consider cutting down due
to the fact smoking negatively affects the immune system.
