Causes, Symptoms, Remedies, etc.

Definition

What are sensitive teeth?

Sensitive teeth is a condition when the teeth feel painful and sore due to the inner layer called dentin being exposed to the outside environment. The pain may reach the gums.

Dentin itself is connected by a channel filled with nerve fibers. Exposure to cold and hot temperatures, and even the acidic compounds in dentin, can also hit these nerve fibers. As a result, your teeth will feel sore, frizzy, and uncomfortable.

Sometimes teeth that feel sharp pain can also be caused by other factors, such as holes, cracked teeth, dental fillings, or a side effect of teeth whitening.

How common is this condition?

Sensitive teeth, including dental problems that commonly occur by anyone.

Quoted from Oral Health Foundation, this condition can start to occur at any age, but is more common at the age of 20 to 40 years. In addition, sensitive teeth can also occur in early adolescence.

Elderly aged over 70 years also often complain of this condition. Compared to men, women are more likely to experience sensitive teeth.

You can prevent this problem by avoiding the existing risk factors. The condition of sensitive teeth can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

The most typical symptom of this condition is pain and tenderness in the gums or teeth, which can be felt down to the roots of the teeth. In some cases, this condition can be accompanied by a drooping gum line.

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity can be mild or very intense, then can appear and disappear again for no apparent reason. If there are other symptoms that arise, consult your doctor.

When should I see a dentist?

Immediately check with the dentist if the teeth continue to feel achy and sore even after taking medication.

The sooner your dental problem is detected, the easier the treatment will be. That’s why, whenever you feel something strange or unusual in your teeth, feel free to consult a dentist.

Cause

What causes sensitive teeth?

The main cause of sensitive teeth is the dentin layer that is exposed to the external environment.

Human teeth consists of several layers, the outer layer of the tooth is called the enamel whose function is to protect the dentin. This layer is the hardest, even harder than bone.

Unfortunately, this layer can also peel, crack, and break as a result of eating habits that are done every day. If the enamel is damaged, the middle layer of the tooth, which is called the dentin, has no more protection.

In fact, dentin is connected to nerve fibers in teeth. When the dentine is exposed to cold temperatures, heat, or whatever you eat, the nerve fibers in the dentine are also exposed. This is what causes your teeth to feel aches and pains.

As said by Kim Harms, DDS, as a spokesperson American Dental AssociationThere are a variety of different factors that trigger toothache, such as eating foods that are too cold, drinking acidic drinks, or just getting cold.

More specifically, you will feel sore and achy when:

Consuming hot or cold food and drinks
Consuming foods and drinks too sweet or sour
Exposure to cold air
Brushing your teeth or flossing your teeth
Gargle with mouthwash that contains alcohol

Risk factors

What are the risk factors for tooth sensitivity?

Without you knowing it, there are a number of bad habits that can make your teeth more sensitive. The following include:

1. Brushing your teeth too hard

Brushing your teeth too hard can actually cause a lot of problems for your teeth. One of them triggers sensitive teeth.

This bad habit can erode the outer layer of the tooth and cause the dentin to open. As a result, teeth become more sensitive when exposed to extreme temperatures or acidic foods.

On the other hand, it can also cause sagging gums ( gum recession).

Similar conditions can also occur when you brush your teeth using a coarse-bristled brush. Apart from being able to irritate the gums, coarse toothbrush bristles can also cause sensitive teeth.

The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to brush your teeth more slowly.

2. The habit of grinding teeth

Bruxism aka grinding your teeth can also be a factor triggering your teeth often ache or pain. Without you knowing it, this bad habit can damage tooth enamel.

If allowed to continue, the middle layer of your teeth can open and cause teeth to be more sensitive.

3. Eat acidic foods

In fact, what you eat can affect the overall health of your teeth. Foods that are too sour can cause tooth pain. The reason is, acids can cause erosion of tooth enamel ( enamel erosion).

4. Eat cold or hot foods

Food and drinks that are too cold or hot can also be the cause of this condition. That’s why if you often chew ice cubes, you are more prone to developing sensitive teeth.

5. Using mouthwash

Types of mouthwash containing alcohol can trigger sensitivity in your teeth. If previously the dentin area has been exposed, then the alcohol in mouthwash can worsen the dental problem you are experiencing.

6. History of certain diseases

If you have a history of acid reflux disorders, such as GERD or ulcers, then you are more prone to experiencing sensitive teeth. This is because high stomach acid can also affect the condition of the teeth and erode the enamel layer on the teeth.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do you diagnose sensitive teeth?

If you often have toothaches or feel pain, see a doctor immediately. First of all the doctor will check the condition of your mouth while asking about your habits in treating teeth.

When examining your teeth, the doctor will look for sensitive points that have the potential to cause pain or tenderness. If needed, dental x-rays and lab tests can be done to determine what is causing your sensitive teeth.

How to treat sensitive teeth?

In the early stages, what the doctor will do to treat sensitive teeth is prescribe them toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth containing potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.

Both of these compounds can protect the nervous system in teeth and help block pain signals. That way, the pain and aching teeth can slowly subside.

If your condition does not improve, your doctor can apply a special gel to your teeth to reduce the pain caused by sensitive teeth. Doctors can also apply fluoride gel which is commonly used as an ingredient in toothpaste. F luoride is a mineral that can strengthen the lining of the teeth and prevent cavities.

Not only that, if the damage caused to sensitive teeth has reached the root of the tooth, the doctor can coat the binder resin on the problematic tooth. Gum surgery can also be performed to protect the tooth root and reduce sensitivity.

Meanwhile, in the case of acute sensitive teeth, another way that can be a solution is root canal treatment ( root canal). This procedure is usually performed by doctors to treat problems with the dental pulp.

You will also be asked by your doctor to avoid foods and drinks that are too cold, hot, or sour.

Home remedies

How to prevent sensitive teeth?

There are several ways you can do to prevent this condition. The way you can do to prevent sensitive teeth is to change the habit of caring for your teeth.

Here are some things you need to do to prevent sensitive teeth, including:

Routine brushing teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night.
Be diligent in cleaning between your teeth with thread.
Use tooth brush and mouthwash containing fluoride. Fluoride can help protect and maintain tooth enamel.
Brush your teeth gently in a circular motion.
Make sure the brush head fits snugly against the mouth and the bristles are fine.
Avoid foods and drinks that are too acidic, cold, or hot.
Avoid teeth whitening procedures because they contain the chemical that erodes tooth enamel, namely carbamide peroxide.
Avoid brush your teeth immediately after eating sour food. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to get the right therapy.
Be diligent in checking with the dentist at least every 6 months.