Does sour gummy candy fill you with fear? Do you actively avoid eating ice cream? Is drinking your morning coffee a painful experience? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from dental hypersensitivity.
Dental hypersensitivity, or what is commonly known as sensitive teeth, is a sharp and short tooth pain that is experienced when attempting to eat or drink. The condition is sparked when consuming hot/cold or sweet/sour food and drinks, or even when inhaling cold air through the mouth.
A degree of sensitivity is normal for all teeth and hypersensitivity effects millions of people worldwide. There are varying causes for this condition and varying degrees of sensitivity in teeth. The best approach for both prevention and treatment is to speak with your dentist about your unique symptoms.
Causes
The main cause of dental hypersensitivity is the erosion of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the protective layer that covers your teeth and keeps them safe from everything we throw at them. However, over time tooth enamel is worn down and can leave the nerve endings in our teeth exposed to the elements.
There are a few ways that we wear down our tooth enamel and heighten the risk of sensitive teeth:
- Brushing teeth vigorously side-to-side – Scrapes off tooth enamel
- Eating acidic and sugary foods – Creates harmful bacteria that attacks teeth
- Grinding teeth – Gradually wears down protection over time
There are also other less common causes of dental hypersensitivity, such as gum disease, gum recession, and cracked teeth or fillings.
Treatment
The cause of your sensitive teeth will ultimately determine the treatment that is most effective. Discussing your symptoms with your dentist will allow them to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Some treatments include:
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Fillings
- Fluoride gel
- Sealant
- Root canal
- Desensitizing pastes
Don’t avoid dental treatment if you are experiencing tooth pain. Leaving the pain untreated over time can worsen the condition and make everyday life uncomfortable.
Speak to your dentist to help find the root of your problem and to figure out what solutions will work best for you.
