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.
