If you’ve ever eaten anything cold and had pain in your teeth, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. Usually tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity) presents as temporary tooth discomfort or pain after eating cold food, drinking cold liquids, or breathing cold air. If the pain is very high in intensity and prolonged, see your dentist because this may be a sign of an unhealthy tooth nerve.

Most commonly, the problem begins when the gums recede. Like a protective blanket, the gums cover the roots of teeth.

As gums recede, the underlying tooth roots are exposed. Gums commonly recede for one of two reasons: Improper heavy handed brushing of the teeth. It is estimated that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. Over weeks, months and years of brushing they remove significant gum tissue exposing the tooth roots.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up around teeth and gums. Over time this plaque hardens into tartar. Bacteria in this tartar are responsible for the gingivitis and periodontal disease that cause gum recession.

The exposed roots contain small pores or tubules which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Pain, pressure, and cold stimuli can travel down the tubules and trigger the tooth nerve causing pain and discomfort. Normally, the gums cover the tooth root helping to prevent stimuli from reaching these pores.

The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is to keep the gums from receding. Reducing the pressure we use to brush our teeth helps tremendously.

The problem with this is that our tooth brushing is an unconsciously ingrained habit reinforced after decades of brushing and therefore nearly impossible to change. We advise people to use an advanced electric toothbrush.

These toothbrushes feature pressure sensors that stop the brush when you apply too much pressure. Another option is a toothbrush that alerts you by activating a warning light when you brush too hard.

Preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease with proper oral hygiene is also crucial in preventing gum recession. Remember, it takes 2 to 3 minutes to properly brush all your tooth surfaces.

Most people spend less than 45 seconds leaving areas untouched where plaque and tartar can build up. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces where brushing can not reach.

What can you do once you already experience sensitive teeth? Sensitivity toothpastes containing potassium nitrate can also help reduce tooth sensitivity. Treating teeth with fluoride mouthwashes also can help reduce tooth sensitivity.

After a few weeks of use the sensitivity usually goes away. Unfortunately, the same heavy handed brushing which caused the sensitivity in the first place can brush away the pore covers created by the toothpaste.

Additionally, highly acidic foods (citrus, soda pop, tea) can increase sensitivity and work against the sensitivity toothpaste.

A major advance in treatment has been the introduction of sensitivity toothpastes containing strontium chloride. These products, like toothpastes for sensitive teeth, and a host of others, coax the minerals in your saliva to crystallize and cover the pores in your exposed roots so that cold stimuli can not Cialis Jelly reach the tooth nerve.

Sometimes sensitivity you are feeling can be from having a cavity that needs attention. Tooth decay is just as common as getting a cold.

If you’re prone to cavities, these measures can help prevent more decay from occurring. In addition, you should reduce your consumption of sugar, especially carbonated sodas, which also contain enamel-harming acid.

Besides reducing your risk for gum disease, quitting smoking can help you avoid cavities as well. The tar from cigarettes makes the surface of the teeth sticky, which allows bacteria to cling to your enamel.

You can also end up with tooth sensitivity if you grind your teeth. Unfortunately, some people grind their teeth very frequently. Unfortunately, your enamel will not be able to take this for very long.

Your dentist may recommend a mouth guard at night to keep your teeth from touching at all.

Tooth grinding is so common that most dentists will look for that first thing when a patient comes in complaining of sensitive teeth.

When you grind your teeth, you can easily become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and even to sweet foods. And even just the normal pressure of chewing food can become painful and interfere with your diet and lifestyle.

Author Bio: Ronald Pedactor is a formal dental hygienist and has authored hundreds of articles relating to dental practice and procedures, including Dentist Mission Viejo.

Contact Info:
Ronald Pedactor
RonaldPedactor09@gmail.com
http://www.ocdentist4u.com

Category: Health/Alternative Medicine
Keywords: Dentist Mission Viejo