TOOTH SENSITIVITY :
Feeling a mild twinge of aching when your teeth are exposed to different temperatures means you are having dentin hypersensitivity which is pretty common in people aged between 20 to 40. Although any age group can have .
The Science of Sensitivity to Cold or hot temperature:
Our teeth have the hardest upper layer called Enamel. Below Enamel is a soft connective tissue that supports enamel called Dentin. It is responsible for transferring the impulses from the enamel to the pulp, where the nerve ending in the pulp would receive the signals. When the dentin below enamel is exposed then it's tubules which are pathways to nerves get exposed due to receding gum tissues or enamel loss, nerves are more easily triggered causing hypersensitivity which causes toothache when you eat or drink cold or hot food items.
Here are the ten causes of tooth sensitivity and how it can be prevented !
10 CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY:
1. TOOTHBRUSH TRAUMA :
Mostly immature kids and sometimes elders too are not taught the right way of brushing technique, so they put undue amounts of force which can wear down the enamel of your teeth exposing the dentin which leads to dentin hypersensitivity later on.
2. VERY ACIDIC DIET :
Highly acidic foods such as sport drinks, sodas ll, fruit juices, tomatoes, Wine, and carbonated drinks can damage the gum line which exposes the inner layer of teeth. When the inner layer of your tooth is exposed, the dentinal tubules get exposed, which can cause painful teeth dentin hypersensitivity due to erosion of enamel.
3. USE OF TOOTHBRUSH WITH HARD BRISTLES:
Toothbrush with rough and coarse bristles can wear down the enamel exposing dentin however enamel is the hardest tissue of human body but still abnormal brushing technique with hard bristle brush can wear away enamel.
4. LACKING ROUTINE ORAL CARE:
If you will not brush your teeth regularly twice a day with a good fluoride toothpaste then you will get plaque which breaks down the enamel of your tooth exposing the dentin causing dentin hypersensitivity. Not only lacking routine oral care will give you hypersensitivity and bad breath but will lead to other major painful problems like periodontal disease.
5. CHRONIC GUM DISEASE:
Diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis give you hypersensitivity as well .
I If you don't brush ,a sticky film of bacteria and food called plaque builds up there. The gunk releases acids that break down your enamel exposing the dentin and cause decay.
Plaque is the main cause of chronic gum diseases which forms due to poor oral hygiene habits. However ,other features responsible for it can be hormonal changes, Illnesses such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the body's immune system, some medications and bad habits such as smoking make it harder for the gum tissue to repair itself.
6. USE OF TOBACCO IS BAD FOR ORAL HEALTH:
The nicotine in tobacco reduces your saliva flow ,which causes dry mouth. Saliva is a protective substance not having enough saliva there increases the chance of plaque build up on the teeth and then slowly in your teeth you will get cavities that cause infection.
Tobacco either in chewable form or smoking form is harmful for oral cavity. Chewing tobacco next to your gums causes constant irritation this effect is permanent damage to your gums and bones. Damaged gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, causing sensitivity and additional exposure to tooth decay.
7. LONG TERM USE OF MEDICATED MOUTHWASHES WITHOUT DENTIST'S PRESCRIPTION:
Medicated mouthwashes have a compound called "chlorhexidine ".Purpose of medicated mouthwashes is for oral health problems such as gingivitis, leukoplakia etc. Their long term use can make dentin hypersensitive .
8. CLENCHING OR GRINDING HABITS:
Grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down your enamel exposing the dentin causing hypersensitivity.
People with Bruxism problems often have toothaches due to enamel wear down.
9. DENTAL WHITENING TREATMENTS:
Some People go for whitening treatments and tooth sensitivity is the side effect they usually complain about. It is most often caused by a bleaching solution to whiten teeth but it's a temporary sensitivity problem.
10. TOOTH CRACKS:
Our teeth go through a lot of stress between everyday chewing and accidental impacts. Cracks can collect bacteria and plaque if you don't brush properly causing inflamed pulp that also optimizes sensitivity.
WHAT IS THE EXTERNAL APPROACH TO PREVENT THE PAIN OF HYPERSENSITIVITY?
Use of products to block the pain sensation:
Fluoride in various forms is an effective strategy for at-home relief of sensitivity Sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and sodium mono-fluoro-phosphate all block dentinal tubules, reducing sensitivity. Prescription fluoride toothpaste and tray application may also be helpful. Calcium phosphate technologies are another option for treating hypersensitivity. Amorphous calcium phosphate makes calcium and phosphate ions available in saliva to accelerate remineralization, and may help minimize whitening induced sensitivity. It is available in gel and whitening products.
Since 20 Years, Altamash Dental Clinic has been serving oral health care with it's highly competent dentists. Kindly visit our dentist every six month to get professional advice for your oral health.
