Dealing With Tooth Sensitivity

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, thus exposing the underlying surface, the Dentin. The dentin is full of tiny tubes with sensitive nerve endings running through them.

Whenever you eat or drink something which is either too cold or too hot or too acidic there is a tingling sensation or a shooting pain in your tooth. This sensation/pain is known as tooth sensitivity.

What are the causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth can be a result of any number of dental issues. Focusing on the cause of your tooth sensitivity can help you better understand how to treat it and prevent it from occurring again. Some factors that contribute to sensitive teeth may include:

1. Toothbrush abrasion: Brushing too hard or using a very hard bristle toothbrush can cause enamel to be worn away – particularly where the teeth meet the gums.

2. Gum recession: This often happens to people suffering from any type of gum disease, since it exposes the dentin.
3. Cracked tooth: Cracked/broken tooth can become filled with bacteria from plaque and cause inflammation in the pulp of the tooth.
4. Tooth grinding: This is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This causes the enamel of the teeth to be worn out, making teeth sensitive.

What are the Remedies for Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth Sensitivity can lead to more serious dental problems. The following remedies can help reduce the pain caused by sensitive teeth:

1. Strengthen Your Enamel: Don’t abandon your enamel. It is your first defence against adverse conditions in the mouth. You can help re-mineralize and strengthen the surface of your teeth by brushing twice daily with fluoride enriched toothpaste.
2. Salt water rinse: Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Mix well and use the solution to rinse your mouth. You must do this twice daily. Salt is known to reduce inflammation and the pain in your tooth.
3. Desensitizing toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
4. Avoid Acidic Foods: Certain foods, like carbonated drinks, coffee, citrus fruits and even yoghurt, can cause sensitivity. This is because acidic products can actually act as a catalyst and reduce the tooth enamel.
5. Wear a Mouth Guard: Grinding your teeth can result in tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about wearing an overnight mouth-guard. Your dentist can create a custom-fitted mouth-guard that can protect your teeth from premature wear.
6. Visit your dentist: Sensitive teeth are a sign that something is amiss in your mouth. Schedule an appointment with a dentist. Routine x-rays can help identify decay early. Regular cleaning can remove stubborn plaque and keep your teeth in good working order.

Visit Riar Dental Arts

A visit to Riar Dental Arts will feel like coming home. Our office is designed in light colors, which gives a calming and relaxed atmosphere. As you await your turn and wait a very short moment in our waiting room our staff is quick to prepare your file. And we ensure a pleasant visit and answer all of your questions. Have a look at our reviews to see what the community of Bakersfield is talking about us. Book your Dental Check-up with your own Family Dentist in Bakersfield.

Call us now at (661) 832-1877, schedule an appointment online, or visit our office in Bakersfield at 5701 Young St #300, Bakersfield, CA!