Dentin hypersensitivity is a common ailment that afflicts close to 57 percent of people. Here’s all you need to know about what to look out for and how to take care of it.
What Triggers Hypersensitivity?
Everyday activities can trigger hypersensitivity such as drinking hot and cold beverages, eating ice creams, candy, frequently consuming citrus fruits, bruxism, recent scaling or teeth whitening treatments, aggressive tooth brushing and even breathing in cold air. Studies show that some people are more prone to hypersensitivity because they have thinner enamels. Certain biological conditions like GERD or gastro esophageal reflux can cause teeth to wear down over time by exposing it to acid from the stomach and esophagus. Frequent vomiting, bulimia and gastroparesis can also affect the enamel. Rough hard incorrect brushing can lead to gum recession and cause tooth sensitivity. Chipped or broken teeth, bleaching, worn down fillings, and crowns can also leave the tooth exposed causing hypersensitivity in one or two teeth instead of the entire mouth.
What Symptoms Do I Look Out For?
Most people experience mild toothache or discomfort while eating or drinking cold, hot, acidic, and sweet foods and beverages. Toothache may also arise while brushing and flossing. If this is the case, then a visit to the dentist is mandatory. Before a course of treatment can be determined, the cause of dentin hypersensitivity must be confirmed. The dentist will use clinical exams and radiographic tests to identify the presence of dental caries, cracked or chipped teeth, pulpitis and defective restorations. The dentist will ask pointed questions to deduce when the sensitivity occurs, what the triggers may be, the duration of the sensitivity and what helps to reduce the discomfort. Hypersensitivity is usually the confirmed case if there is a gingival recession present along with sharp transitory sensations.
What Can I Do To Prevent and Reduce Hypersensitivity?
There are certain things you can do at home to reduce and prevent the wearing of your dentin in the case of mild sensitivity. Buy a brush that is made of soft bristles or is specifically designed for sensitive gums. Hold the brush at a proper angle and do not apply too much pressure. The excess force could cause the bristles to splay and prevent plaque from being removed while brushing. Brush in small motions and rinse your mouth in lukewarm water instead of cold water. Special kinds of toothpaste with specific ingredients are available that help reduces and prevents hypersensitivity. These ingredients include potassium nitrate and aluminum lactate, which help to close the openings if dentinal tubules. If you suffer from dentin hypersensitivity then it helps to keep regular dental appointments and be careful about sensitivity causing foods. Massage gums to keep them strong and prevent wearing out and exposure. Severe or intense toothache and sensitivity can affect normal life and the enjoyment of daily activities and therefore it is vital that you follow the advice of your dentist.
Dentin hypersensitivity is manageable by making positive changes and incorporating a healthy dental hygiene routine.
Dentin hypersensitivity is a common ailment that afflicts close to 57 percent of people. Here’s all you need to know about what to look out for and how to take care of it.
What Triggers Hypersensitivity?
Everyday activities can trigger hypersensitivity such as drinking hot and cold beverages, eating ice creams, candy, frequently consuming citrus fruits, bruxism, recent scaling or teeth whitening treatments, aggressive tooth brushing and even breathing in cold air. Studies show that some people are more prone to hypersensitivity because they have thinner enamels. Certain biological conditions like GERD or gastro esophageal reflux can cause teeth to wear down over time by exposing it to acid from the stomach and esophagus. Frequent vomiting, bulimia and gastroparesis can also affect the enamel. Rough hard incorrect brushing can lead to gum recession and cause tooth sensitivity. Chipped or broken teeth, bleaching, worn down fillings, and crowns can also leave the tooth exposed causing hypersensitivity in one or two teeth instead of the entire mouth.
What Symptoms Do I Look Out For?
Most people experience mild toothache or discomfort while eating or drinking cold, hot, acidic, and sweet foods and beverages. Toothache may also arise while brushing and flossing. If this is the case, then a visit to the dentist is mandatory. Before a course of treatment can be determined, the cause of dentin hypersensitivity must be confirmed. The dentist will use clinical exams and radiographic tests to identify the presence of dental caries, cracked or chipped teeth, pulpitis and defective restorations. The dentist will ask pointed questions to deduce when the sensitivity occurs, what the triggers may be, the duration of the sensitivity and what helps to reduce the discomfort. Hypersensitivity is usually the confirmed case if there is a gingival recession present along with sharp transitory sensations.
What Can I Do To Prevent and Reduce Hypersensitivity?
There are certain things you can do at home to reduce and prevent the wearing of your dentin in the case of mild sensitivity. Buy a brush that is made of soft bristles or is specifically designed for sensitive gums. Hold the brush at a proper angle and do not apply too much pressure. The excess force could cause the bristles to splay and prevent plaque from being removed while brushing. Brush in small motions and rinse your mouth in lukewarm water instead of cold water. Special kinds of toothpaste with specific ingredients are available that help reduces and prevents hypersensitivity. These ingredients include potassium nitrate and aluminum lactate, which help to close the openings if dentinal tubules. If you suffer from dentin hypersensitivity then it helps to keep regular dental appointments and be careful about sensitivity causing foods. Massage gums to keep them strong and prevent wearing out and exposure. Severe or intense toothache and sensitivity can affect normal life and the enjoyment of daily activities and therefore it is vital that you follow the advice of your dentist.
Dentin hypersensitivity is manageable by making positive changes and incorporating a healthy dental hygiene routine.