What is Tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity:

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by tooth decay, gum and periodontal disease, bro- ken/fractured tooth, teeth grinding, using very hard toothbrush or applying excessive force to clean teeth, using tooth whitening toothpastes, taking acidic diet and after certain dental procedures e.g. scaling and root planning which disappears after sometime by using Fluoride toothpastes in the latter case.

The signs & symptoms, prevention and treatment of tooth sensitivity.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain or discomfort on taking cold and hot food. Exaggerated response to air and water.

Prevention

Maintaining good oral hygiene by using soft tooth brush and proper brushing technique. Using Fluoride toothpaste. Increasing the amount of water intake. Avoiding stress that can lead to teeth grinding (rubbing against each other) Avoiding acidic diet (cold drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks and citrus fruits). Try not to brush for at least 2 hours after taking acidic foods, immediately rinse mouth with water to wash away acid after taking any acidic diet. It takes almost 20 minutes for saliva to neutralize mouth’s pH. Once acidic substances enter the mouth, the process of tooth dissolution will continue till 20 minutes.

Treatment

Fluoride toothpaste, after brushing teeth, try not to vigorously rinse mouth with water as Fluoride will be washed away. Fluoride, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Citrate, Strontium Chloride based toothpastes and mouthwashes can help control tooth sensitivity. Fluoride varnishes can also help control tooth sensitivity. If sensitivity is due to tooth decay or gum disease, treat the cause. If it is due to teeth grinding, ask the dentist for protective cover for your teeth to prevent teeth from getting damaged.
(High spot grinding. Tooth bonding filling materials e.g. composites.)

Complications of tooth sensitivity:

Patient may start to avoid proper cleaning of mouth that can increase burden of bacteria causing oral diseases, avoid certain foods, quality of life may be affected. If sensitivity is caused by gum disease, dental decay or teeth grinding the eventual outcome will be loss of tooth substance if not treated timely, difficulty in eating.