At some point in our lives we have all experienced sensitive teeth, and it is an unpleasant experience. Not many people know why sensitive teeth occur and how it comes about, but for some, sensitive teeth is a permanent issue. Sensitive teeth are common and can be described as a form of sharp, aching pain which is caused through the application of quick temperature changes in the mouth. Sensitive teeth condition can be triggered when the teeth are exposed to either hot, cold or acid consumables. Adults and children can experience sensitive teeth differently and for some individuals the sensitivity may be fixated on all of the teeth or just one. The intensity can increase and decrease and this can create more confusion as to why individuals have sensitive teeth to begin with. There are a number of reasons sensitive teeth can come about, and there are a number of methods you can use to remove sensitivity. This article will explain how this can be done and also will inform you on the origin of sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
The solution to sensitive teeth can be found when individuals understand where sensitive teeth come from. Many individuals think that sensitive teeth is permanent and cannot be improved, but this is not true. Sensitive teeth can be cured, and there origin is well understood by professionals. Many temporary, quick fixes to sensitive teeth involve pastes which tackle the symptoms of the problem. However these are not effective long-term and do not tackle the main issue. Sensitive teeth are the result of the beginning of tooth decay. By tooth decay, we mean the erosion of the protective enamel which protects the teeth from external bacteria. One of the ways in which this enamel can erode is through the process of demineralization.
Demineralization and Erosion
As previously mentioned, sensitive teeth can occur in all teeth or just one, but regardless of the location, sensitive teeth are the result of tooth decay through demineralization. This is the process in which the protective enamel begins to disappear and this can be accelerated through the consumption of acidic foods. It should also be noted if you are getting sensitivity in just one tooth it is more serious, as this tooth is on the way to getting cavities and eventually removal. One way that the demineralization process can begin is also through the consumption of processed food that is low in nutrients and minerals and is high in acidic products such as sugar. If it a common idea that sugar promotes poor dental health and research has shown that sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay in adults, and it is a significant factor in the depletion of nutrients in the teeth which results in demineralization.
Hard Brushing
As well as dietary issues, demineralization and erosion can occur through incorrect brushing. If you are brushing your teeth particularly hard you will be eroding away your enamel and promoting sensitive teeth. You need to assess your brushing technique and either learn to brush slower and gentler or purchase a softer brush.
Ways to Cure Sensitive Teeth
Diet
One of the best way to cure your sensitive teeth is to make sure they do not get any worse through the consumption of unhealthy, processed foods. Maintaining a good diet that is nutrient-rich and is low in sugar will help you maintain your perfect smile and make sure that you do not suffer from the process of demineralization. It is important that you keep good care of your teeth throughout your life and make sure that they are not getting sensitive and decaying. Eating healthily once you have suffered from sensitive teeth can actually slowly reverse the effects. This is because as you consume healthy, nutritious foods and drinks, you will slowly replenish your teeth’s nutrient levels and will help the repairing process. Continue to eat healthily until the remineralization process is complete the enamel and teeth are hard and protected.
Pastes and Gels
This include the classic toothpastes that you see advertised on the TV and the pastes that are recommended by the dentists and professionals. These pastes do work but only short term, as they tackle the symptoms and not the causes. This means that, although these pastes are stopping the pain, they don’t stop the causes of the problems and therefore you will continue to suffer from sensitive teeth until you have to have them removed due to rotting and cavities. Furthermore, these pastes work on the idea that sensitive teeth results from dental problems like cracks and worn fillings, which is not the case. The pastes wear away throughout time and become less and less effective. It is recommended that individuals go for more permanent solutions.
Wearing a Mouth Guard
This is actually a fairly unknown method to help you rebuild your enamel, and it involves wearing a mouth guard when you are sleeping. Sensitive teeth can also be caused by the grinding of teeth when you sleep as this too erodes the enamel and speeds up the demineralization process. Grinding your teeth in your sleep is actually very common and many people will engage in it at some point in their life. However, if you regularly grind your teeth, you may be feeling quite sore and uncomfortable when you wake up in the morning. You can find a mouth guard in any local markham dentist or oral care shop and they are not too expensive. These guards are placed in your mouth like a gum shield and they prevent you from eroding your enamel and promoting sensitive teeth.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth are very painful for some people and many believe that they are born with it and it cannot be removed, which is not the case. Sensitive teeth are the result of demineralization and erosion of the enamel, and it can be improved through many different ways, some permanent and some temporary. Permanent methods include dietary changes and require individuals to remove acidic products and adopt more heathy eating habits which replenish the nutrients in the teeth and rebuild enamel. Temporary methods involve the use of pastes and gels which tackle the symptoms of the problem and allow you to still eat the foods you enjoy, like ice cream. You can also improve your teeth through wearing a mouth guard when sleeping or changing your tooth brush, but these depend on how to sleep and brush. Hopefully this article has been helpful and you now know how to improve your teeth and remove sensitivity.