5 people out of 10 complain of sensitive teeth. This gives us an idea as to how common this problem is. Sensitive teeth are a big hassle and cause minor to severe disruptions in one’s day-to-day life.
In summers, it becomes difficult to have ice creams and slur pees. You can’t eat anything cold or hot, sweet or sour, without feeling that bolt of pain.
Before we move any further on this, it’s important to know what leads to teeth being sensitive. Teeth are made up of dentine that contains micro-tubules in which tiny nerve endings lie. These free nerve endings are extremely sensitive to touch and certain chemical substances. These chemical substances, like acidic foods, cause irritation of nerve endings when in contact and cause the shooting pain most of us are familiar with.
However, den tin does not lie unprotected but is covered by a protective layer of enamel and cementum. When this outer protective layer gets depleted, den tin along with free nerve endings gets exposed and this is called teeth sensitivity.
Dentists at Sandalwood Smiles, providers of the best dental care in Brampton, answer your queries regarding why and how of sensitive teeth. There are various reasons for erosion of this protective layer, the common ones being…
Brushing too hard
There’s a certain amount of pressure that should be applied to teeth while brushing. But we are an enthusiastic lot. People exert more than necessary pressure on teeth while brushing. This when repeated over time causes damage to teeth enamel and sensitivity ensues.
Teeth clenching and grinding
A lot of people unconsciously clench and grind their teeth while sleeping. And they know nothing of it till their dentist tells them so. Excessive clenching and grinding also causes enamel erosion.
Acidic foods
Foods which are having a low pH can erode the enamel and make your teeth sensitive. Acidic foods lower the pH of mouth and enamel depletes in this acidic environment. Acidic foods like oranges, wine, lemon, pop, vinegar are some of the acidic foods which cause damage to enamel and makes teeth sensitive.
Trichotillomania
Never heard of it? There are chances you might be suffering from it. Trichotillomania is an addiction to pull your hair. It’s more common than you think and one of the hardest form of addiction. It starts with grinding hair between your teeth, especially incisors. Some have a constant obsession with split ends and they cut their split ends with their teeth. This constant grinding of tough hair between teeth also causes enamel erosion.
Swimming
Ever heard of “Swimmer’s Calculus”? It’s the term used to describe the yellow and brown spots developed due to enamel erosion after years of swimming. Chlorine present in pool water makes the otherwise alkaline water acidic. This acidic water when enters mouth on a daily basis, causes enamel erosion and calculus formation.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening home remedies performed at will and without dentist’s supervision can cause damage to teeth. The most common ingredient of these remedies is baking soda which is known to erode enamel. How else do you think it works?
Treatment options
There are many toothpastes available in market that provide relief from sensitivity. You can choose one on the recommendation of your dentist. Dentists apply a dental varnish that seals the eroded surface and lasts for 6 months. That’s a better treatment option.
Prevention
Avoid acidic food for long. Make sure you chase it down with water immediately. Take necessary precautions while swimming. Use a night guard to prevent clenching and grinding of teeth at night. Don’t opt for teeth whitening at home and get it done by professionals. Get therapy for trichotillomania. Learn the right brushing pressure to be applied from your dentists at Sandalwood Smiles.
By taking care of these things, you can keep your teeth free of sensitivity for long.
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