How To Deal With Sensitive Teeth

             How To Deal With Sensitive Teeth

There seems to be no "spice" in something which is very ordinary and common place just like the food at room temperature. Foods, either hot or cold, are actually what nurture our taste buds. Steaming soups, a hot cup of Bournvita, hot noodles on one hand and ice-cool dessert items like ice-creams, kheer, custard and pudding on the other hand, form the main attractions of our "dreamy" food wish-list. But what if, your teeth send out a negative feedback and you face an "entry barrier" for your foods? This is the most unfortunate situation faced by individuals who have sensitive teeth.

What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?

The wearing down of tooth enamel or the recession of the gum line cause stimulation of the cells within tubes situated in the dentin, which is under the protection of the gums and the enamel coating of the teeth.

But improper ways of brushing, tooth disease or cracking of tooth may lead to a reduction in the degree of this protection as a result of which heat begins to get transmitted to the tooth nerve through the microscopic pores in the dentin. Your teeth undergo expansion and contraction due to the consumption of hot and cold foods respectively. And this contributes towards the development of microscopic pores in the teeth in due course of time.Few causes of excessive wear of teeth are Harsh tooth brushing (applying alot of pressure) , Habits (Chewing supari) ,Bruxism (Grinding / clencing of teeth ), Placing instruments /solids in between the teeth . All these must be avoided.

Tips to Deal with Teeth Sensitivity

• Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: Some toothpastes, which are meant to control tartar formation, may contain abrasive ingredients, which may aggravate tooth sensitivity. People who have teeth sensitivity should switch to desensitizing toothpastes like Sensodyne ,Thermoseal -RA & Colgate sensitive etc. The ingredients of these toothpastes work by filling up the tubules of the dentin. You can also rub some amounts of these toothpastes on the sensitive areas before going to sleep. It will work overnight and your teeth will become less sensitive within a few weeks.
• Rinse With Fluoride Solutions: You can get a fluoride rinse from your local pharmacy. This will benefit you more if you have tooth decay problems. Using a fluoride rinse once a day by swishing it around in your mouth will help you reduce your tooth sensitivity.
• Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene: The plaque in the teeth synthesizes an acid which causes teeth irritation. Brush twice a day and especially before going to bed. Brushing after the meals will also help to prevent bacterial attacks. It's equally important to floss for at least once a day.
• Use a Toothbrush With Soft Bristles: The tooth enamel may get damaged if you brush with too much of pressure or if you use a brush with hard bristles. Use a soft toothbrush and clean your teeth via gentle up-and-down movements.
• Avoid the Consumption of Excessive Sugary or Acidic Foods: The dental enamel may get eroded due to the consumption of too much of sugary and acidic foods. And erosion of the teeth enamel will make your teeth exposed, thereby leading to their sensitivity. Use a straw while drinking acidic juices. This cuts down the degree of exposure of your teeth to acidic substances.

People who have actually gone through the pain or discomfort may only know what it feels like. If these home remedies fail to solve your issues, then it may be a high time for you to consult a dentist, without delay.Doc may help you to prevent more serious underlying issues like gum disease.

Dr.Pooja Shah.