Teeth Sensitivity Causes and Treatment Methods

If your teeth are currently sensitive to cold but you don’t know the cause of this problem, this article will shine some light on your issue. Many people with teeth sensitivity avoid cold drinks because they know it will make their teeth hurt. This condition has a few different possible causes and the good news is that it can be treated.

What causes teeth sensitivity?

All of us are prone to having sensitive teeth. Some of us are born with this condition while others develop it at some point in their lives. There are a couple of different dental conditions that cause tooth sensitivity and most of them entail the loss of protective covering over the dentin.

1. Thin Enamel
Most of you know that enamel is the outer layer of our teeth. It is one of the hardest substances on Earth and is there to protect our teeth. Our enamel can get worn away over time due to poor oral hygiene, which will lead to teeth sensitivity to cold.

2. Naturally Shirking Gums
Pocket reduction surgery, toothbrush abrasion, excessive flossing, prep work for a crown, and gum disease can all cause gum-related tooth sensitivity. Basically, when the gum recedes from your teeth, it uncovers the roots. That’s the only part of the tooth that isn’t protected by enamel, so it’s a lot more sensitive.

3. Cracked Tooth
If you crack or break a tooth, it’s important to visit a dentist right away because the crack may go as far as the roots. If this is the case, you will feel pain whenever your tooth is cold. Make an appointment with your dentist to see if they can fix the cracked tooth.

How can you ease teeth sensitive to cold?

The best thing you can do to treat teeth sensitivity is to take care of the enamel. Below are five ways you can prevent and treat tooth sensitivity:

1. Don’t brush too hard.
People who brush their teeth too hard are probably removing more than just the plaque. Also, brushing your gum line side-to-side can wear your enamel quicker. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a 45-degree angle for brushing your teeth.

2. Avoid acidic food and drinks.
You’ve probably heard the dangers of candy and soda drinks since you were a kid. And there is a good reason for that because high-sugar carbs are very harmful to our enamel. They also lead to cavities, which make our teeth sensitive to cold.

Make changes to your diet to help prevent this. Choose fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, and yogurt. These food products help fight acid and bacteria on your teeth.

3. Unclench your teeth.
Some people have a habit of grinding their teeth, which is known as bruxism. This habit wears down the enamel over time. Most people who grind their teeth, do so because of depression or stress. Talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard if you grind your teeth and can’t stop this habit. Teeth grinding will not only lead to having sensitive teeth but possible permanent damage to your gums and teeth.

4. Stop bleaching.
Everyone wants to have a bright and white smile and for many, bleaching is a great way to achieve this. But if you suffer have sensitive teeth, you need to stop bleaching right away until you resolve your problem. A good alternative to bleaching your teeth is laser teeth whitening. If bleaching was the cause of your sensitivity, it should go away fairly quickly once you stop bleaching.

5. Dental care.
Poor dental care is almost always the cause of teeth sensitive to cold. You probably aren’t visiting the dentist as often as you should. Having poor oral hygiene will lead to further enamel decay and more teeth sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and regular dental visits for checkups and teeth cleanings.

Conclusion:

Having sensitive teeth can lead to more serious problems down the road, that’s why it’s important to deal with this problem right away. Follow our tips to prevent further damage and improve your dental care.