In the event you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp ache in your mouth whereas sipping a sizzling espresso or having fun with a chilly scoop of ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a remarkably frequent concern, affecting no less than 40 million folks in the USA, in line with the Academy of Normal Dentistry. However what precisely causes delicate tooth and, extra importantly, what are you able to do about it? Let’s discover the explanations behind the discomfort and uncover efficient methods to search out aid.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
In keeping with the American Dental Affiliation (ADA), tooth sensitivity happens when the underlying layer of your tooth, known as dentin, turns into uncovered. Dentin incorporates microscopic tubules that result in the tooth’s nerve heart. When these tubules are uncovered, exterior stimuli like sizzling, chilly, candy or acidic meals can attain the nerves, inflicting ache. A number of elements can contribute to the event of tooth sensitivity, together with:
- Worn tooth enamel from brushing too laborious, consuming acidic meals and drinks, or grinding tooth.
- Gum illness, which might trigger gums to recede and expose the delicate root.
- Cracked or chipped tooth, which might expose the internal layers of the tooth.
- Current dental work, which can trigger non permanent sensitivity.
- Previous, worn fillings.
- Some tooth whitening merchandise.
Frequent Triggers
Sure meals and drinks usually tend to exacerbate tooth sensitivity as a consequence of their temperature, acidity or sugar content material. These embody:
- Highly regarded meals like sizzling soup and occasional.
- Very chilly meals like popsicles and ice cream.
- Acidic meals and drinks like citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), tomatoes, pickles, sodas and sports activities drinks.
- Chewy sweets like gummy bears, which might get caught inside open cavities and underneath gums.
- Exhausting, crunchy meals like ice and laborious sweet, which might harm tooth enamel.
Therapies
Tooth sensitivity is commonly treatable proper at residence by avoiding offending meals or utilizing a toothpaste particularly designed for delicate tooth. Nonetheless, if at-home remedies should not sufficient, your dentist might advocate an in-office therapy primarily based on the underlying reason for the sensitivity. These might embody:
- Fluoride varnish or gel.
- Dental bonding.
- A filling, inlay or crown.
- Gum graft.
- Root canal in additional extreme instances.
In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to speak to our workforce! We can assist you identify the reason for the sensitivity and advocate essentially the most acceptable course of therapy.