Are you experiencing dental discomfort when sipping on hot or ice-cold beverages? Do you find yourself bleaching while brushing or flossing? 

If you are, you are suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity or tooth sensitivity. 

Tooth sensitivity is an extremely common dental problem that affects children as well as adults. However, most of those who suffer from dental hypersensitivity are in the age group of 20-50 years. Certain activities like brushing, eating, or drinking hot or cold foods can cause sharp pain in your teeth if you have sensitive dental problems. 

This dental problem develops over time due to several reasons, with the most common being receding gums and enamel wear. Yes, sensitive teeth are generally the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots (i.e., when the inner part of the tooth called dentin, is exposed). 

Thousands of microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals) run through the dentine towards the centre of the tooth. When your dentin loses its enamel (protective covering) and becomes exposed, the tubules enable heat and cold foods to stimulate the cells and nerves within the tooth, resulting in the characteristic short, sharp sensation of tooth sensitivity. 

However, sometimes tooth sensitivity can be caused by other factors, such as a cracked or chipped tooth, acidic foods, a cavity, a worn filling, post certain dental procedures or gum disease. 

If you are experiencing any such dental problems, always consult your dentist for advice. Only a dentist can confirm you have dentinal hypersensitivity and the cause of the same. 

Let’s now look at some of the most common reasons for sensitive teeth problems or dental hypersensitivity.

What causes sensitive teeth?

1. Tooth Grinding 

Grinding your teeth can wear down tooth enamel. As seen above, worn enamel is one of the major reasons for sensitive teeth problems. By grinding your teeth, you expose the dentin, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves, causing external triggers to trigger sharp and sensitive pain. Try using a mouth-guard that can stop mouth grinding. Consult your dentist. 

2. Harsh Brushing Technique 

Brushing with too much force, especially when using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear the protective layers of your teeth and expose the dental nerves. And as we now know, when these nerves are exposed to extreme temperatures or cold foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can occur. Switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and practice gentle and mild brushing techniques.

3. Frequent use of mouthwash 

Some mouthwashes contain chemicals and alcohol. If the enamel has worn away, these chemicals can cause teeth sensitivity. Avoid using mouthwashes frequently, instead, get regular with flossing and brushing and occasional use of mouthwash. Alternatively, try neutral fluoride rinses. 

4. Post-Dental Procedure 

It’s normal to experience slight sensitivity after a tooth extraction, root canal, or crown placement. However, if these symptoms do not pass after a short period of time, you must visit your dentist, as it could be a sign of infection. 

5. Cracked Tooth 

A chipped or cracked tooth exposes the nerves inside a tooth, and you will experience increased tooth sensitivity. Also, extensive cracks can lead to pulp tissue infection, which can then spread to the bone and gums surrounding the tooth.

6. Gum Disease 

Receding gums are one of the causes of tooth sensitivity because of the death of supporting ligaments, which expose the root surface. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will treat the underlying disease, which will eventually fix the tooth sensitivity problem. 

7. Acidic foods and beverages 

Acidic drinks and foods remove a small quantity of tooth enamel with time, exposing the nerve centre in the inner layer of your teeth. Acidic foods such as lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause more teeth sensitivity problems. Consuming these within the desired limits can help avoid any tooth discomfort or tooth sensitivity. 

Besides this, plaque buildup, decay around the fillings can cause tooth sensitivity.

Sakra World Hospital is one of the best dental hospital in Bangalore, having a team of senior and highly experienced dentists who provide a wide range of dental and tooth sensitivity treatment in Bangalore.

How can you treat dentin hypersensitivity or Sensitive teeth problems? 

The treatment depends on the cause. It is very important to consult your dentist so that they can provide you with the details on the cause of tooth sensitivity and the plan to treat it. 

Here is a list of treatments that your dentist could use to treat or cure your sensitive teeth:

• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth – Your dentist may recommend specific toothpaste brands that are designed to desensitize your teeth.

• Mouthwash especially made for sensitive teeth –These mouthwashes help relieve discomfort from sensitivity and strengthen enamel.

• Fluoride treatments – Fluoride is known for its power to strengthen enamel. To help your teeth regrow their protective layer, your dental surgeon may recommend fluoride dental treatments. Ask us more about Fluoride Dental Treatments.

• Restoration replacement – If your crown or filling has been damaged, you will be advised to replace it with a new one to protect the root from exposure.

• Mouthguards – If you have problems with grinding or clenching, mouthguards are recommended to be worn at night.

• Root canal – If the tooth sensitivity is unbearable and all other treatments fail, a root canal treatment will be suggested. However, this treatment completely depends on your dental situation. 

Although all these treatments help in treating tooth sensitivity problems, you must practice good oral hygiene regularly to prevent sensitive teeth from recurring. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. Use gentle strokes while brushing, avoid vigorous or harsh brushing. Consider taking care when eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks and alcohol, all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. 

If you have any questions regarding tooth sensitivity, ask us now - We have some of the best dentist in Bangalore who will answer all your queries.