Do your teeth hurt when you eat ice cream or drink hot tea? Tooth pain from hot or cold foods is called teeth sensitivity. It affects many people and can make eating less fun. This post will explain what causes sensitive teeth and how to fix them.
Read on to learn how to enjoy your food again!
Key Takeaways
- Teeth sensitivity causes pain when eating hot or cold foods.
- Common causes are worn enamel, receding gums, and tooth decay.
- At-home treatments include special toothpaste and gentle brushing.
- Dentists can help with fluoride gel, coatings, and gum grafts.
- Good oral care and regular check-ups can prevent and treat sensitive teeth.
Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth can become sensitive for many reasons. Worn enamel, gum problems, and tooth damage are common causes.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion is a big problem for teeth. It happens when the hard outer layer of teeth wears away. This can make teeth very sensitive. Acidic foods and drinks are often to blame.
Soft drinks, citrus fruits, and wine can all hurt tooth enamel over time.
Some health issues can also cause enamel erosion. GERD, frequent vomiting, and gum problems can all play a part. As enamel wears down, it exposes the softer dentin underneath. This lets hot and cold feelings reach the nerves in teeth.
That’s why sensitive teeth can hurt so much.
Receding Gums
Receding gums can make your teeth hurt. This happens when the gum tissue moves away from your teeth. It can show the roots of your teeth. Many things can cause this. Hard brushing, gum disease, genes, and smoking are some reasons.
When gums pull back, teeth can feel pain from hot, cold, or sweet things.
You can fix receding gums in a few ways. Dentists can use special glues or covers to protect the roots. This helps stop pain. For worse cases, they can do a gum graft. This adds new gum tissue to cover the roots.
Good tooth care at home is also key. Use a soft brush and be gentle when you clean your teeth.
Tooth Decay or Broken Teeth
Tooth decay and broken teeth can make your teeth very sensitive. Cavities form holes in your teeth, exposing the soft inner parts. This causes pain when you eat hot or cold foods. Cracked or chipped teeth also let heat and cold reach the tooth’s centre, causing discomfort.
Dentists can spot these issues during check-ups. They use special tools to test how sensitive your teeth are. X-rays help find hidden decay or damage inside teeth.
Worn fillings or crowns can also lead to tooth sensitivity. Over time, these fixes can break down or come loose. This leaves gaps where hot and cold can reach the tooth’s nerves. Regular dental visits help catch these problems early.
Your dentist can replace old fillings or crowns to protect your teeth. Next, we’ll look at ways to treat sensitive teeth at home and with a dentist’s help.
Effective Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
There are many ways to treat sensitive teeth. You can try simple home remedies or get help from a dentist.
At-Home Remedies
Sensitive teeth can be a real pain. Here are some easy ways to treat them at home:
- Use special toothpaste. Pick one made for sensitive teeth. It has stuff that blocks pain signals from your teeth to your nerves.
- Try a softer toothbrush. Hard bristles can hurt your gums and teeth. A soft brush is gentler on sore spots.
- Brush gently. Don’t scrub too hard. Light, circular motions clean just as well without hurting your teeth.
- Rinse with salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Avoid acidic foods. Things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and fizzy drinks can make teeth hurt more.
- Use fluoride. It helps make your teeth stronger. You can get fluoride in toothpaste or as a rinse.
- Try baking soda. It balances the acid in your mouth. Mix it with water to make a paste and brush with it.
- Wear a mouth guard at night. If you grind your teeth, this can help protect them from damage.
- Floss daily. It removes bits of food that can cause tooth decay and gum problems.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash. It cleans without irritating sensitive teeth and gums.
Professional Dental Treatments
Dentists offer many ways to help with tooth pain. Here are some treatments they can do in their office:
- Fluoride gel: Dentists put this on teeth to make them stronger. It helps stop pain and protects teeth from harm.
- Special coatings: These cover the parts of teeth that hurt. They act like a shield to keep teeth safe.
- Gum grafts: This fixes gums that have moved away from teeth. The dentist adds new gum tissue to cover exposed roots.
- Desensitising agents: These are special liquids that dentists put on teeth. They block the tiny holes in teeth that cause pain.
- Sealants: Dentists paint these on teeth to fill in small cracks. This stops things from getting into teeth and causing pain.
- Sensodyne toothpaste: Dentists often tell people to use this at home. It’s made just for sensitive teeth.
- Root canal: This fixes teeth that hurt a lot. The dentist takes out the soft inside part of the tooth and fills it.
- Inlays: These are special fillings for teeth. They fit perfectly into the tooth to fix damage and stop pain.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can be a real pain. But there’s good news! You can ease the ache with simple steps at home. If you need help with sensitive teeth, Royal Dental Care has 8 locations across Sydney with highly experienced dentists to look after you. You can book an appointment here.
FAQs
1. What is teeth sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity, is when your teeth hurt from hot, cold, or sweet things. It happens when the soft part inside your tooth is exposed.
2. How can I stop my teeth from being sensitive?
You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Brush gently and avoid acidic foods and drinks. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments too.
3. Why do my teeth feel sensitive after whitening?
Teeth whiteners can make your teeth hurt for a short time. The chemicals used can bother the nerves in your teeth. This feeling usually goes away after a few days.
4. Can grinding my teeth cause sensitivity?
Yes, teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down your tooth enamel. This can make your teeth more sensitive. Your dentist might suggest a mouthguard to protect your teeth at night.
5. How often should I see my dentist if I have sensitive teeth?
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleaning. If your teeth are very sensitive, you might need to go more often. Your dentist can help find the cause and give you the right treatment.
6. Are there any home remedies for sensitive teeth?
You can try using a salt water rinse or applying a bit of honey to sore spots. But it’s best to talk to your dentist first. They might suggest special toothpastes or mouth rinses that can help with sensitivity.
