Teeth sensitivity is one of the most uncomfortable things a person can experience. It can significantly limit your everyday life depending on what triggers it. You may be about to indulge in some ice cream and as soon as you put in your mouth, a sudden pain appears. For some people, just exposing their teeth to cold air is enough to trigger this reaction. For them, even smiling in cold weather can be a nightmare. In this article, you will find answers to many questions you may have about the subject and how to avoid it.
What causes it?
Your teeth can become sensitive for many different reasons. This issue may occur because of receding gums that expose your tooth roots. Therefore, periodontal disease may be the cause of gum recession. It can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and getting a teeth cleaning near you every 6 months.
Another cause of sensitive teeth is enamel erosion. This is caused by brushing your teeth too harshly or using a hard-bristle toothbrush. At the moment, you may feel like you are just cleaning your teeth thoroughly but actually, you are just damaging them and setting yourself up for future complications.
Some teeth whitening products have been shown to cause enamel erosion that could end up in teeth sensitivity. Thus, if you are looking forward to getting some sort of teeth whitening procedure, it is important to do so at a dentist in South Tampa, where you can receive the best treatment available and with no secondary effects.
Are foods linked to teeth sensitivity?
The answer is yes. If you want to prevent having sensitive teeth, then you should avoid acidic foods and drinks since these harm the tooth enamel. You should stay clear of sugary foods as well. Also, make sure to wait 20 minutes after ingesting acidic foods or drinks to brush your teeth. The reason for this is that your teeth are softened after eating these types of food and by brushing them you are brushing away the minerals.
Some foods actually help battle teeth sensitivity by moistening your mouth and working against acid and bacteria. These include yogurt, milk, cheese, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
How is it treated?
There are a few options for treating teeth sensitivity. The first thing you should do is see what triggers the pain and try to avoid those foods. Other options are fluoride gel and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The difference between this type of toothpaste and regular toothpaste is that they have little particles that seal any channels that your teeth may have that connect your nerve directly to the exterior. On the other hand, fluoride helps restore the enamel on your teeth.
If your sensitivity isn't manageable with these options, then a visit to the dentist might be needed. At a dental clinic, you can seek other treatments such as desensitizing toothpaste. It helps by blocking the pain you feel when exposed to a trigger.
In case your sensitivity is a result of receding gums, then your dentist can treat the exposed root by covering it with some bonding resin. This will significantly decrease the pain. You should remember that these exposed roots are caused by gum disease that is preventable by getting teeth cleanings in South Tampa.
When no other treatments work and the pain is extremely severe, your dentist could recommend a root canal procedure, where a hole is drilled into your tooth and the pulp is extracted. The pulp contains blood vessels and the nerve that causes the pain, so after this procedure, you shouldn't feel any more pain.
