If you experience pain or discomfort when consuming foods or beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour; when brushing or flossing; or even when breathing cold air, you may have sensitive teeth.
There are a variety of reasons for sensitive teeth but the most common source of this challenge is the following:
- Over-brushing – brushing your teeth too hard may wear down enamel or irritate the gum line, causing it to recede and expose the tooth’s sensitive roots.
- Cracked teeth – a crack or chip in your tooth may expose the underlying dentin or may fill with bacteria from plaque, causing the nerve to inflame.
- Teeth grinding – over time, grinding or clenching your teeth can erode enamel and expose the dentin.
- Gum disease – gum disease leads to tooth decay which breaks down enamel; gum disease can also lead to infection which may attack the tooth’s roots or cause the gum line to recede.
- Tooth whitening – using products with peroxide or baking soda can seriously aggravate exposed roots or dentin.
- Age – studies have shown that tooth sensitivity occurs most often in people between the ages of 25 and 30.
We want you to know that even if you are experiencing sensitive teeth, there is a solution regardless of the cause. It might take some time, but you will experience relief. Here are some immediate strategies, but we highly recommend that you schedule a time so that we can intervene as well;
- Try a desensitizing toothpaste which contains chemicals that block sensations like hot and cold from reaching the nerves in your teeth.(the commonly used ones in Uganda are Sensodyne and Colgate sensitive)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be gentler on both your teeth and gums.
- Switch to a fluoride mouthwash.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tea, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. or rinse with water immediately after consuming them.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice every day and flossing once daily.
- Also at the dentist’s office we can paint the teeth with fluoride varnish that gives immediate relief.
We know that teeth sensitivity can be extremely uncomfortable, but please do not lose hope, we are here for you!