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Teeth Sensitivity (Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment)

26th July 2022

Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. Read more about it, including symptoms, causes, and treatment down below.

Symptoms

People that have sensitive teeth typically feel pain and discomfort in response to certain triggers. Symptoms can disappear and reappear in time and range from mild to intense. This type of pain is felt at the roots of the affected teeth. The most common triggers are the next ones:

• Cold foods and drinks
• Cold water, especially during dental cleanings
• Cold air
• Hot foods and drinks
• Acidic foods and drinks
• Sweet foods and drinks
• Mouth rinses that are alcohol-based
• Brushing teeth
• Flossing

Causes

Some people have more sensitive teeth because their teeth have thinner enamel. In many cases, the enamel can be damaged if you:

• Consume acidic foods or drinks on a regular basis
• Grind your teeth
• Use a hard toothbrush
• Brush your teeth too aggressively

There are other conditions which can cause tooth sensitivity, as well. For example, Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), makes acid come up from the stomach and oesophagus and damages teeth in time. Conditions that cause frequent vomiting, such as bulimia. also lead to acid wearing down the enamel.

Another example is gum recession, which can leave tooth sections unprotected, leading to sensitivity. Broken and chipped teeth, damaged fillings and crowns, and tooth decay may leave the tooth’s dentin exposed, causing sensitivity, as well. In this case, sensitivity is felt only in one tooth or mouth region.

Treatment

If your tooth sensitivity is mild, you may try various dental treatments that you can buy in pharmacies. Choose toothpaste for sensitive teeth because they don’t have irritating ingredients and might even contain desensitising ingredients, which help to get rid of any discomfort. Regarding mouthwash, pick an alcohol-free one, as it’s less irritating. Using softer toothbrushes and brushing more gently will also help with teeth sensitivity. In general, it takes time for remedies to work, but you’ll definitely see an improvement in the first week of starting the treatment. If these treatments aren’t efficient for you, talk to your dentist and get a prescription for toothpaste and mouthwash.

If you struggle with teeth sensitivity and wish to know more about it, how to prevent it, and ways to fight it, Contact Holly House Dental. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you at all times.