Teeth Sensitivity

Best Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity

Do your teeth hurt after eating a bite of ice cream? What about a spoonful of hot soup? Well, there may be a chance that you may have teeth sensitivity. When you feel pain due to hot or cold food, it could be a sign of a cavity or it could also be a condition known as teeth sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity is a type of tooth issue that causes pain or discomfort in your teeth in response to certain stimuli which could include hot or cold temperatures. 

Teeth sensitivity can be temporary or chronic and can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth. People with sensitive teeth may feel frustrated as they can’t eat several types of food including hot and cold food and beverages, sweet and acidic food, alcohol-based mouth rinses, and even brushing and flossing teeth can trigger their teeth sensitivity. 

What causes teeth sensitivity?

There are people who have naturally sensitive teeth because they have thinner enamel. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it against acid and mouth bacteria. While some people have thinner enamel, some may wear down their tooth’s enamel due to:

  • Brushing their teeth too hard
  • Using a hard toothbrush
  • Teeth grinding especially at night
  • Eating and drinking acidic food and drinks regularly.

There are also certain conditions that can lead to tooth sensitivity such as GERD as the acid from the stomach can wear down the teeth over time. However, the most common causes for the thinning of enamel are due to poor dental hygiene practices. 

How to treat teeth sensitivity?

If you experience teeth sensitivity, you might consider doing some home remedies first. You can use:

  • Desensitizing toothpaste

This type of toothpaste contains compounds that can shield nerve endings from irritants. For example, it has potassium nitrate which is known to block pain signals from traveling to your brain. 

  • Saltwater rinse

Salt is a good antiseptic and can also help decrease inflammation. You can try gargling salt water at least twice a day to help with teeth sensitivity.

  • Hydrogen peroxide

This solution is both antiseptic and disinfectant. It is best known to sterilize cuts, burns, and wounds. Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse to heal gums and inflammation. Be sure to dilute it first with water.

  • Honey and warm water

As an antibacterial agent, honey can be used for wound management. It is also known to speed up healing and reduce pain. Rinse your mouth with warm water and add a spoonful of honey to promote oral healing.

However, if those teeth treatments don’t work, it’s best to talk with your dentist for a prescription or a mouthwash that you can use to decrease your sensitivity. Your dentist might also recommend some dental treatments such as desensitizing or bonding, surgical gum grafts, or root canals. Root canals are considered to be the most successful treatment for tooth sensitivity. 

Many people experience teeth sensitivity but it can be avoided by implementing good oral hygiene. After all, practicing proper oral care and hygiene is still the best way to prevent dental problems including teeth sensitivity.

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