Tuesday, 30 November 2021

How can you tell if you suffer from teeth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is the discomfort you feel when you eat foods that are either hot or cold. Although tooth sensitivity can be caused due to various reasons, there are some steps that you can take to resolve the issue. A dentist will be able to diagnose tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity once you go for regular check-ups. If you are suffering from teeth sensitivity, there are many options available to you to lessen the discomfort you feel.

What are the symptoms?

Many indications can confirm you have sensitive tooth symptoms. Here are some of the signs that you must look out for:

• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures (hot or cold)

• Discomfort in the teeth when you eat acidic foods

• Tingling sensation when brushing or flossing

• Feeling a sharp sensation when using alcohol-based mouthwashes

These symptoms can vary from being mild or intense. Whatever the case may be, dentin hypersensitivity can be effectively diagnosed with the help of a dentist.

What are the causes of sensitive teeth?

If you suffer from sensitive tooth symptoms, there are many reasons that may cause it. The prime reason for sensitive teeth is the wearing away of the tooth enamel that exposes the underlying dentin. This wearing away can be caused by using a hard-bristled toothbrush, eating excess acidic foods, or using teeth whitening agents. Dental decay and gum are some other causes of tooth sensitivity.

What can you do?

Improving your dental health can improve symptoms of teeth sensitivity. Here are some tips to lessen the discomfort:

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste

• Avoid acidic foods in your diet

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash

• Dental procedures such as a root canal and gum grafts to treat decay or gum disease

 

Wednesday, 1 September 2021

Warning Signs of Enamel Erosion and Solutions for Teeth Sensitivity

Enamel is the protective layer of your teeth, the crown portion. It is the hardest substance of your body. However, enamel gets eroded due to various reasons and it can result in sudden teeth sensitivity. Read on to know more about the signs of enamel loss and solutions for teeth sensitivity.

Signs of Enamel Erosion

The signs of enamel erosion can vary based on its stage. Enamel is translucent with a natural hue of white. The underlying layer of dentin is yellow and a yellowish hue shows through enamel in almost everyone. Your teeth become more yellow if the enamel is lost. The irregular, rough or jagged edges, chips, and cracks could be the result of enamel erosion. Smooth shiny surfaces of your teeth indicate a mineral loss. Indentations may appear on the surfaces where you bite and chew. At later stages of enamel erosion, the dentin gets exposed and external stimuli will get easily passed to trigger the nerve supply at the inner side. A tooth sensitive to cold water or sweet food is an indication of enamel loss at an advanced stage. It can affect one or more teeth.

Solutions to Teeth sensitivity

Desensitizing toothpastes are an excellent solution to treat a tooth sensitive to cold water or hot water. The ingredients of such a toothpaste may include potassium nitrates and stannous fluorides. The former ingredient is known to soothe the nerves and comfort the sudden teeth sensitivity, the latter acts as a protective layer of dentin. It prevents any external stimuli from reaching the inner layers of your teeth. The fluorides in those toothpastes build up the enamel, especially at the early stages. Brush your teeth gently twice a day to keep your mouth clean and avoid further erosion of your enamel. Rinse your mouth after each meal so that the food particles are not retained in your mouth.

 

Monday, 2 August 2021

The Different Causes of Sensitive Teeth

The primary cause of sensitive teeth is exposed nerve roots. The enamel which is the protective outer covering of the tooth can wear away for many different reasons, exposing the nerve roots and inner dentine.  If you are wondering what causes sensitive teeth, here are some external factors that are responsible for the short sharp sensation you may experience:

• Aggressive brushing technique: Brushing too hard can damage the enamel of the tooth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause further wear of the outer layer of the tooth. This leads to sensitive teeth.

• Cavities and gum diseases: Gum diseases such as gingivitis are responsible for receding gums leaving the nerve roots more exposed. Plaque build-up is also responsible for tooth decay and infections that eat up the enamel. Treating these underlying issues is the only way to treat tooth sensitivity.

• Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding or bruxism regularly can damage your teeth and cause sensitivity. Some causes of teeth grinding have been linked to sleeping disorders or stress.

• Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening procedures are being commonly used to get rid of discolored teeth. However, the problem with such a procedure is that they use abrasive chemicals during these treatments which can make your teeth more sensitive.

• Acidic foods: Are there other reasons what causes sensitive teeth? Yes, food such as oranges, lemons, and wine can wear your teeth away over time. As you enamel wear away you might feel twinging or discomfort when you consume hot and cold food. This type of acidic erosion can cause some serious dental problems in the long run.

Therefore, while there are several answers to what causes sensitive teeth, we must have a good oral hygiene routine to keep these problems to a minimum. Your dentist is the best person to diagnose tooth sensitivity and recommend the best solutions.

Monday, 5 July 2021

Do You Suffer from Any of These Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity?

 Are you someone who stays away from ice cold food items?  Does the very thought of drinking or eating something cold make you shudder? Do you avoid drinking hot beverages? Then you most likely suffer from tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity. Anyone can suffer from tooth discomfort. Sometimes, it can be so bad that even a draft of cold air hitting your teeth can be very uncomfortable. 

What is Tooth Sensitivity or Dentin hypersensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a sudden, sharp discomfort felt when teeth are exposed to very cold or hot food items. 

Triggers:

Some common triggers that cause tooth sensitivity are: 

Acidic food/ drinks

Hot food or drinks

Very cold food or drinks

Sweet drinks

Here are some of the reasons for sensitive teeth.

Gum Recession: Gum recession can be a result of brushing too hard, your genes, periodontal diseases, hormonal changes, uneven teeth, improper dental care, grinding teeth etc.  

Tooth infection/Abscess: Tooth damage, advanced tooth decay or gum disease leads to an infection in the tooth or an abscess. A root canal can help in repairing a tooth that is damaged or decayed. 

Teeth Grinding: If you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night then it can cause tooth sensitivity too. It is also called Bruxism. 

Tooth Whitening: The bleaching agents present in the tooth whitening products can make your enamel more vulnerable and sensitive. 

Acidic food and drinks: Regular intake of acidic food and drinks damages the tooth enamel overtime and causes tooth sensitivity. 

Cracked or broken teeth: A tooth that has cracked will expose the nerve endings inside and cause bacteria to form. This could lead to inflammation and tooth discomfort.

Dental Procedure: If you have had a dental procedure done recently, that could also cause temporary tooth sensitivity.

Your dentist will be able to provide more information on the reasons for sensitive teeth and possible cures.

 

Sunday, 6 June 2021

Teeth Sensitivity: Must Know Facts About Prevention and Cure

Tooth sensitivity is commonly known as dentinal hypersensitivity. Everyone experiences some degree of tooth sensitivity regardless of age. It has become a common dental problem in India and is escalating rapidly.

Preventive Measures of Teeth Sensitivity

Before we look into treating tooth sensitivity, it is wise to remember that prevention is better than cure. It is important that we pay attention to our dental hygiene so that we can save ourselves from the discomfort that sensitive teeth can cause. Sensitivity can be prevented by strengthening the enamel of your teeth by daily brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Make flossing a daily habit. Avoid the use of abrasive toothpastes and brush your teeth with gentle strokes rather than harsh scrubbing. Try to avoid tooth grinding or use a mouth guard that is prescribed by your dentist. Grinding of teeth can cause tooth fracture and cause sensitivity. Further, schedule a dental check up every six months.

Curative Measures for Sensitive Tooth

When you experience discomfort while sipping hot coffee or biting into an ice-cream, you might tend to think that avoiding such food is the best way to prevent it. However, that’s not true. An effective solution for treating tooth sensitivity is to use a doctor-recommended desensitizing toothpaste that can provide 24/7 protection with regular use. The anti-sensitizing active ingredients such as stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate that are present in desensitizing toothpastes can help calm the nerve ending of the dentine to minimize the dental discomfort associated with sensitivity. It can also help in repairing and hardening the weakened tooth enamel. The fluoride in the toothpaste forms a protective coat over the exposed soft inner part of the teeth which is called the dentine to act as a barrier against sensitivity.

If you are thinking about how to get rid of sensitive teeth, invest in a clinically proven sensitivity relief solution such as a desensitizing toothpaste brand.

 

 

Tuesday, 4 May 2021

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Reasons

If you have a tooth sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages, the temporary but sharp discomfort it may cause can hinder your daily activities. It can be caused by several triggers, such as hot or cold, acidic food, air, and brushing. Read on to find out the causes of teeth sensitivity so that you can take precautions to avoid or cure it.

The use of a hard-bristled brush and brushing with too much force can result in the erosion of enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. Enamel is the hardest substance in your body. The underlying layers include dentin, pulp, and nerve supply. Dentin is a softer material with the presence of microscopic tubules which communicate to the inner layers of dental nerves of your teeth. When the nerves are triggered it sends signals to your brain which results in discomfort. Be gentle when you brush your teeth.

When the nerves are exposed, food like tomato, sauces, pickles, lemon, etc. can cause severe discomfort. Avoid these types of food to get rid of such an experience. When you have beverages that are cold, tooth sensitivity can be felt immediately. If you have the habit of teeth grinding, talk to your dentist to find a mouth guard to protect the enamel coating. Receding gums are common with increasing age, especially when you don’t take proper care of dental hygiene. It can also expose the underlying layers of teeth. 

Use of a desensitizing toothpaste can treat tooth sensitivity. The nerve supply will be soothed and you will be relieved of the discomfort with regular use. Fluorides in such toothpaste will protect your teeth from cavities. The ingredients may include potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride which will soothe the nerves. Good oral hygiene is the key to a healthy set of teeth and to avoid a tooth sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.


Monday, 5 April 2021

Read the Label, Choose the Best of Sensitivity Toothpastes

 Every day, thousands of people struggle with sensitivity that’s triggered by something as common as eating or drinking. So, what is the solution? What is the one thing that can provide effective relief? Well, all you need is to find best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums.

Inside the Tube

Different sensitivity toothpastes offer various actions. Some provide maximum relief but taste bad, others prevent cavities and protect gums, while many others offer minty breath without taking care of any underlying dental condition. The right brand of sensitivity toothpaste will contain two specific ingredients, one to soothe the nerves and stifle the pain signals and the other to act as dentin shield.

The Brand Does Matter

The smartest thing to do when stuck with many choices, is to go with a trusted brand name. If you are already using a regular branded toothpaste then it will be easier to make the transition to a sensitive toothpaste belonging to the same brand. While a tube of specially formulated toothpaste may seem a tad bit overpriced, it’s definitely worth the cost. The best sensitive toothpastes will always have a stamp of approval. They are primarily certified for the benefits they claim to offer such as lower sensitivity, plaque control, the fight against cavities and removal of dental stains.

Fortified Fluoride and Tartar Control

The main ingredient that ensures good oral hygiene is fluoride. It is known to reverse tooth decay in its early stages and reduces sensitivity issues caused by a tooth enamel that’s wearing away. On the other hand, sensitivity toothpastes also provide different levels of tartar control. Plaque is made from food particles, debris and bacteria that sits on the teeth and over time forms tartar. Sodium pyrophosphate can prevent this build up and save one’s teeth and gums.

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums, you can’t go wrong with a trusted brand.

 

How can you tell if you suffer from teeth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is the discomfort you feel when you eat foods that are either hot or cold. Although tooth sensitivity can be caused due to...