If eating ice cream or sipping a cup of hot coffee forces you to cringe in pain, then you almost certainly have dentin hypersensitivity or what is unusually known as tooth sensitivity.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Dental tooth sensitivity can be defined as brief, sharp discomfort that arises from exposed dentin (the layer of dental tissue found under the hard dental enamel that contains the inner dental pulp). People with sensitive teeth might find the discomfort to be initiated by cold, hot, sour, or sweet liquids or foods, aggressive brushing or flossing, or even breathing in cold air.

What causes the sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs by the movement of fluid within small dental tubes (pores) situated in the dentin, which leads to nerve irritation. After the dental enamel of a tooth is worn down or gum tissue has receded, the surfaces of these small tubes may become uncovered, leading to pain while eating or drinking particular foods, such as cold water or hot tea.

How widespread is this dental condition?

Dentists report that dental sensitivity is one of the most common complaints they get from their dental patients. According to the Richmond Hill Dental Association, 1 in 5 individuals in the United States experience dental tooth sensitivity at some point during their lifetime.

How can I prevent tooth sensitivity?

Frequent intake of acidic drinks, such as orange juice or soda, can erode the hard dental enamel and leave you at risk for dental tooth sensitivity. Decreasing your consumption of acidic foods and drinks can put a stop to the erosion of dental enamel. Richmond Hill dentists have found conditions such as bulimia and gastric reflux can also have related erosive consequences on dental tooth enamel. Abrasion of the tooth enamel from aggressive tooth brushing can also result in tooth sensitivity. Inform your dentist Richmond Hill if you suffer from tooth sensitivity. The dentist is capable of monitor the dental condition and help treat the sensitivity.

I have tooth sensitivity. What can I do to prevent and treat the discomfort?

Use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing in a rounded movement will limit dental enamel abrasion and therefore decrease dental tooth sensitivity. Using toothpaste comprising of a de-sensitizing component that guards uncovered dentin by covering the tubes connected to nerves can relieve discomfort. Dental treatments, such as topical agents or fluoride sealants, can be applied by a Richmond Hill dentist to help alleviate tooth sensitivity.

You may be prescribed by the dentist, a fluoride gel or an over-the-counter de-sensitizing toothpaste consisting of fluoride or potassium nitrate. These agents help block transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve. It also may be of benefit to massage the de-sensitizing toothpaste onto teeth with your finger after brushing.

If you have a single sensitive tooth and it recently had a filling done by a dentist, the tooth may be sensitive to cold for several weeks. The metals in the silver amalgam readily conduct cold temperature, transferring it to the pulp. White fillings require etching the tooth with an acidic substance prior to filling placement. In some instances, this etching can render the tooth sensitive. Nowadays, advances in bonding techniques now make it less likely the procedure will result in dental tooth sensitivity.

Author Bio: For more information about tooth sensitivity or other dental-related topics, visit our dentist Richmond Hill and Richmond Hill dentist websites.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: tooth sensitivity, teeth sensitivity, dental, dentist, dentistry, teeth