Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.
Do your teeth ache when your brush, eat or drink? Well, tooth sensitivity is often an uncomfortable problem that's often caused by bad dental care. Nevertheless, it can be shunned and treated through proper diet, brushing and the help of a dentist. Read on for further insight.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Enamel deterioration
One of the key reasons behind tooth sensitivity is worn tooth enamel as well as cementum. Basically, enamel is the substances that create a protective shield around the crowns of teeth. On the other hand, cementum safeguards the root of the tooth. Therefore, when the enamel or cementum suffers deterioration, it leads to exposure that allows nerve and cell stimulation inside the tooth. Consequently, temperature variations as well as other physical sensations including acidic, chewy and sticky foods serve to arouse those nerves, resulting in pain and distress.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is another major cause of tooth sensitivity. This is a disease that attacks the gum and bone system responsible for keeping teeth in place. In effect, the gum tissue wears down until the root surfaces of teeth are exposed. Cavities and tooth decay are other possible causes. The telling factor with all the conditions that cause tooth sensitivity is that they all lead to the exposure of the inner, susceptible section of the tooth.
Dry mouth
It may come as a complete surprise but dry mouth is another common cause of sensitive teeth. Saliva and water serve to remove acids and repair the protective layers of teeth. However, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and medications dry out the mouth, exposing the teeth to increased acid damage.
Poor dental care
Brushing your teeth with a hard, bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel and lead to gum recession. Intake of sugary foods and grinding of teeth may also cause protective layers to wear down.
How to tackle the problem
Luckily, tooth sensitivity is a problem that can be dodged, for the most part. While you cannot completely stop the intake of acidic foods, your consumption should be controlled. While eating acidic foods, take milk or water for purposes of neutralising the acidic effect in your mouth. Moreover, rinse your mouth immediately after meals to help dilute the acids. Don't brush your teeth immediately after meals, but rather at least 30 minutes later, to allow saliva to restore the teeth's protective layers. Hard bristled toothbrushes should be replaced with soft bristled toothbrushes.
Seeking dental treatment
Visiting a dentist office can help patients monitor gum disease and tooth decay. Routine cleanings by a dentist also help maintain strong and healthy teeth. A dentist may also recommend desensitising toothpaste or a root canal procedure for severe tooth sensitivity cases.
Share23 June 2017
