There’s nothing quite like a hot cuppa in the morning or a tasty ice cream on a hot summer day, but these otherwise pleasant treats might be uncomfortable to enjoy if you experience sensitive teeth.
If your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot foods, you aren’t the only one. Nearly one in five Irish people suffer from tooth sensitivity, according to the Irish Dental Association. The most common age range for sensitive teeth is 20-40, although it can happen to anyone at any age.
For most people, sensitive teeth are just a minor discomfort that is brief and fleeting; for many others, however, it can be highly uncomfortable or even painful so you may wish to consider seeing a dentist for a sensitive teeth cure.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
The most common sensitive teeth causes include:
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Erosion of the tooth enamel:
the most common cause of sensitive teeth is from brushing your teeth too hard, which erodes the enamel and can lead to dentin hypersensitivity. In addition to brushing too hard, teeth grinding (bruxism) can also wear out your enamel.
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Gum (periodontal) disease:
plaque buildups and poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease which leads to sensitive teeth. Having regular appointments with a dental hygienist is essential to avoid this.
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Receding gums:
also called gingival recession, receding gums often happen as a side effect of gingivitis or gum disease. As gums recede, the dentin is exposed at the roots of the teeth, which in turn lead to sensitive teeth.
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Cavities:
cavities expose the soft nerves within your teeth and directly lead to sensitivity issues.
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Cracked tooth:
similarly, a cracked or damaged tooth may expose the soft dentin and nerve endings which lead to sensitivity.
If you have fillings or veneers, you could also experience teeth sensitivity if your fillings are worn down or if your veneers are cracked or chipped and the tooth’s dentin is exposed.
Furthermore, highly acidic and sugary foods and beverages can wear away at the enamel of your teeth and cause sensitivity issues.
Why Are Teeth Sensitive to Cold?
Teeth can become highly sensitive when exposed to the cold; whether it be an icy cold beverage, frozen treats, or even from cold water.
The reason why your teeth may feel particularly sensitive when they come into contact with cold substances is that the protective layer of enamel coating your teeth has worn out and the dentin and nerve endings inside of the tooth’s structure are exposed directly to the substance.
Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
For most people, the best thing for sensitive teeth is simply to allow the discomfort to wear off. Most sensitivity issues are temporary and many of us will certainly have experienced it on occasion in our lifetimes.
When the sensitivity is particularly uncomfortable or persists longer than you think it should, you may wish to find a better remedy. Here are a few practical tips to deal with sensitive teeth:
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Brush gently:
as one of the most common reasons for teeth sensitivity, stop brushing too hard and brush much more gently, using circular motions and a soft/medium-bristled toothbrush (throw away any hard-bristled toothbrushes!). This is often the best remedy for sensitive teeth and a good habit regardless.
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Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth:
over-the-counter toothpastes such as Sensodyne Repair & Protect and others are specially formulated to strengthen tooth enamel, provide relief from sensitivity issues, and maintain good oral hygiene.
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Adjust your diet:
try to refrain from eating/drinking sugary or acidic foods/beverages. These wear out your enamel. Furthermore, avoid consuming food/drinks at temperatures that are too hot or cold. Brush your teeth in lukewarm water if the cold water irritates your sensitivity.
Can Sensitive Teeth Be Cured?
Persistently sensitive teeth are almost always a symptom of an underlying oral health problem that requires treatment. Conversely, many cases of sensitivity are just temporary and often normal from drinking something too hot or too cold, for example.
For individuals with ongoing sensitivity, it is important to take action to reduce discomfort such as following the above tips. While these may provide some relief, they are not a substitute for routine dental checkups from a professional dentist. You should always request a consultation with your dentist for teeth sensitivity because they may find the underlying cause and provide you with effective treatment and ongoing care.
Dental professionals often use fluoride treatments to help rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel. For more serious sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a root canal, composite bonding, or fillings depending on the source of the sensitivity and your overall dental health.
Sensitive Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Ireland and worldwide, but it can lead to sensitivity. Beware of over-the-counter teeth whitening products such as gels or strips which, if used improperly, can irritate your teeth and gums. It’s always better (and more effective) to seek teeth whitening from a qualified dentist than to use these products.
All teeth whitening products are legally limited to a certain percentage of the active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – except those used by dental professionals. When undergoing teeth whitening dental professionals will ensure that the gel is applied properly to only bleach your teeth and not affect the gums. It is essential that you mention teeth sensitivity before receiving teeth whitening.
Normally, individuals with healthy teeth may experience some mild sensitivity for up to 24 hours after receiving teeth whitening treatment. If you already have sensitive teeth, your dentist should be able to treat your sensitivity before recommending teeth whitening.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience sensitivity frequently or specific instances lead to extreme pain (e.g. taking a sip of tea or a bite of ice cream), you should seek treatment from a professional dentist near you at the earliest possible opportunity.
No matter whether you’ve got one tooth suddenly sensitive or multiple teeth are causing you discomfort beyond what is normal, treatment will help you relieve the discomfort and address the underlying cause. Unlike discomfort, pain is not a normal response and it usually indicates a more serious oral health problem that requires treatment and care.
FAQs
Q: What causes one tooth to suddenly become sensitive?
A: If one of your teeth has suddenly become sensitive, it may be because that tooth has been chipped or damaged, has a cavity or is decaying, or if the tooth has a veneer or crown which has been damaged. In all of these cases, the soft dentin may be exposed and produce sensitivity whenever you ingest something hot/cold, for example.
Q: What’s the best remedy for sensitive teeth?
A: The best remedy for sensitive teeth is often to brush your teeth gently, using broad, circular strokes with a soft/medium-bristled toothbrush. You should brush twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth/gums.
Q: Is it safe to whiten sensitive teeth?
A: Sensitive teeth should be treated before undergoing teeth whitening since the procedure, when performed by a qualified dental professional, may exacerbate any sensitivity you already experience.
Q: How long does it take for sensitive teeth to improve?
A: In most cases, switching to a sensitive teeth/gum toothpaste and brushing gently can resolve sensitivity after about two weeks of continual use. For more serious sensitivity, fluoride gel/varnish from a dentist can give immediate relief. If the underlying cause is a cracked or broken tooth, for example, sensitivity may gradually go away after receiving dental treatment.
Come to Bandon Dental if You’re Feeling Sensitive teeth
Don’t ignore the tell-tale signs of teeth sensitivity and get relief by scheduling a consultation with Bandon Dental. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for sensitive teeth, as well as a full range of other general and cosmetic dental treatment services to keep you smiling.
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Bandon Dental’s dedicated owner. A highly qualified Dental Hygienist, Deirdre has over a decade of experience, with a diploma in dental hygiene from Cork University’s Dental School and Hospital. Deirdre is committed to continuous up-skilling and investment in the most up-to-date technology in our practice. This ensures our patients receive the highest standard of care, as Bandon Dental stays abreast of the latest advancements in dental hygiene for optimal oral health.