Medical insider
Dr Rhoda entero
FOR AUGUST 6, 2023
TOOTH SENSITIVITY
(Part 5)
We are now on Part 5 of our discussion of TOOTH
SENSITIVITY.
We were able to tackle the topics on the meaning of tooth
sensitivity; its reasons and causes; its signs and symptoms;
the origin of Dentin Hypersensitivity; and some factors that
contribute to tooth sensitivity.
We start today’s discussion of tooth sensitivity with its
Prevention of the Condition.
One of the ways to prevent the recurrence of tooth
sensitivity is brushing your teeth at least twice a day to three
times a day or after every meal with a soft-bristled
toothbrush. When it comes to sensitive teeth, a healthier
mouth begins and ends with good brushing habits. Make
sure all parts of your mouth, including along the gum line
and between the teeth, are thoroughly cleaned by your
brushing and flossing.
Remember, a pound of cure can never compare to an
ounce of prevention. So, it’s time to pay attention to your
dental hygiene habits. What are these?
Fluoride or Desensitizing Toothpaste and
Brushes: You should use fluoride toothpaste and/or
desensitizing toothpaste for good measure. Use
gentle strokes as you brush instead of harsh or
vigorous scrubbing as though you’re tearing through
the corrosion of a rusty gate since that could damage
the already thin enamel. Don’t be too gentle though
because you’re supposed to remove plaque as well.
Brush gently and rinse your mouth thoroughly every
time. Your brush head of sorts is also relevant when
treating sensitive teeth. To be more specific, you
should use Oral-B Sensitive Replacement Brush
Heads for tooth sensitivity treatment. This soft-
bristled brush head or any soft-bristled toothbrush will
gently clean your thinning enamel and help prevent
gum loss.
Floss Daily: Furthermore, floss daily because pieces
of rotting food will only serve to further feed the
bacteria inside your mouth, which will have them
produce more and more acid that destroys your gums
and your teeth’s outer shell. Flossing is important
because it catches the bits of food your brushing
usually misses. Your floss should be soft as well.
Mouth Guard: If you’re a teeth grinder or suffer from
bruxism, ask your dentist for a mouth guard like what
professional boxers wear. Bruxism can cause
sensitivity and fracture teeth for good measure. Just
as mouth guards protect your teeth from a boxing
punch’s blunt force so too does it protect your teeth
from themselves when you unconsciously grind on
them when you sleep.
Avoid Acidic Foods or Take Care When Consuming
Them: Take care of your teeth as well when eating or
drinking acidic foods and beverages like wine, citrus
fruit drinks, and carbonated drinks. All of these menu
items can remove bits and pieces of tooth enamel
over time. You should avoid them as much as
possible.
You should use a straw when drinking acidic liquids
to limit teeth contact, for example. Additionally, once
you’re done eating or drinking an acidic type of
substance, water it down by drinking water to balance
out the pH or acidity levels in your mouth. In fact, you
should drink water instead of wine or soft drinks.
In a Nutshell
Sensitivity happens when the enamel or outer shell of your
teeth becomes thin enough to expose the dentin or porous
tissue of teeth to outside elements or temperature changes.
The tubules of the dentin or its microscopic channels serve
as pathways to the nerve. Your sensitive tooth is aching like
something hit its raw nerve because that’s literally what’s
happening. When these tubules are exposed because of
enamel loss and receding gum, nerves are more readily
triggered by acid and temperature.
If you’re a tooth sensitivity sufferer, you should avoid daily
activities such as consuming high temperature foods and
beverages whether they’re too hot or too cold. You should
also brush on the regular, like twice or thrice a day after
eating. Such activities can cause pain to your sensitive
teeth. Don’t live in the constant fear of suffering. Do
something about it and add fluoride to your daily dental
hygiene. Always floss and look into services such as
surgical gum graft and root canal.