Have you ever faced a sharp jolt of pain when biting into your favourite ice cream? Or do you feel an uncomfortable sting when drinking your daily cup of hot tea? Have you sworn off chilled water because you feel like you can’t handle the pain that lingers after a sip? The pain may be from a single tooth or feel like all your teeth hurt in unison. Either way, this is what we call ‘sensitivity’ and here is how you can manage it.
Why does it occur?
Your teeth are covered with a protective covering layer called ‘enamel’. Beneath this, there is a layer of nerve-connected tissue called the ‘Dentin’. Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the enamel layer is eroded or lost and the underlying dentin layer now comes in contact with the hot or cold foods, leading to pain.
7 things you can try for sensitive teeth -
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Proper brushing technique
Brushing too hard, brushing for too long and using harsh products is the main reason why your enamel might wear off. Brushing too hard can also cause your gums to move away from your teeth, putting the root part of your teeth at risk. Hence it is advised to follow a proper brushing technique and be gentle with it. -
Use a soft toothbrush
You might think that the harder or tougher the bristles of the toothbrush are, the better they clean and the better the hygiene. But this is far from the truth. Hard bristles can scrub away and cause holes or tears in the enamel layer near your gums. -
Are you grinding your teeth?
Did you know that your teeth should never touch each other unless you are chewing? Grinding the top and bottom teeth together for any reason - be it stress, tense facial muscles, feeling of anger, or just as a habit can again, break away the enamel layer. Not only this but it can also lead to microfractures of the tooth. Check with your dentist for a comprehensive treatment for such conditions. -
Limit acidic diet
The enamel layer of your teeth is vulnerable to acidic foods and beverages. Foods like citrus, carbonated drinks, coffee, tomatoes etc come under this category. Rinsing your mouth after the intake of these products can put the enamel of all teeth at a risk. Additionally, gastric conditions like acidic reflux can also impact the enamel. Be sure to have a probiotic rich diet. -
Use a desensitising toothpaste
Desensitising toothpastes are rich in fluoride and potassium nitrates, which seal away the exposed dentin and protect the nerves from painful stimuli. They can be used just like your regular toothpastes. Talk to a dentist and get one to suit your condition. -
Home remedies to the rescue
A simple salt water rinse or a spoonful of honey mixed in lukewarm water might help relieve the pain to an extent. Coconut oil pulling has also shown to be beneficial. But do note that if the pain still persists, you may need a professional eye to look into it. -
Get an expert dental opinion
Yes, teeth sensitivity can be managed to an extent with the above mentioned tips but you also need to speak to a dentist to see if the condition is something severe. Certain treatments like dental sealers and filling might help seal the sensitive teeth. Your dentist will also give you the right solutions for when your sensitivity is being caused by microfractures, grinding or other factors.
Ending on an important note, dental sensitivity can best be treated in the starting stage itself. Else the treatment plan changes to something more extensive. So do not delay and book your dental consultation now.
