Tooth Sensitivity: Common Triggers And Ways To Manage It

Tooth sensitivity is sudden pain in the tooth when eating something cold or hot, or sweet desserts. It can also appear while brushing when teeth are exposed to cold air. This sudden pain occurs when external triggers reach the sensitive layer of teeth, which contains the sensitive nerve endings. The reason for developing tooth sensitivity is that the enamel that protects the teeth wears away. Other factors that also contribute to tooth sensitivity include using a hard-bristled brush, brushing forcefully, having tooth decay or consuming acidic foods. Sensitivity can affect one tooth or multiple teeth. Its duration and severity depend on the person because some patients may require a complete evaluation from the best dentist in Ludhiana in detail to determine the tooth sensitivity treatment. 

Cause of tooth sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity occurs when layers beneath the enamel become exposed, or gums recede from the roots. That underlying layer, called dentin, contains small channels that carry the effects of cold, hot and sweet food towards the tooth nerve. Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

• Enamel erosion caused by citrus fruits, soft drinks or acidic foods 
• Brushing too forcefully by using a hard-bristled brush 
• Gum recession that exposes the part of the roots 
• Plaque, inflammation, and inflammation of gum tissues 
• Tooth decay when pain occurs with cold or sweet foods 
• Broken or cracked tooth 
• Grinding or clenching the teeth while sleeping 
• Sensitivity after filling, dental cleaning or any other dental treatment

Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and foods can be a sign of tooth decay. This makes the process of diagnosis easier and important before beginning tooth sensitivity treatment. 

Clinical treatment options to manage tooth sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity treatment at the best dental clinic in Whitefield depends on the cause, number of affected teeth and severity of pain. The dentist begins by evaluating the gums and teeth, then selects the suitable treatment method to protect the sensitive area and manage the problem causing pain. The various treatment methods include:

• Applying desensitizing materials and fluoride 

The dentist may be advised to apply the fluoride to the affected area to provide strength to the tooth surface and reduce the ability of hot or cold triggers to reach the dentin. Sometimes, using special materials is also advised to block the small channels that are responsible for transmitting the sensation inside the tooth. 

• Cover exposed tooth roots

When the gums contract, the tooth roots lose part of their natural protection and become more sensitive to cold or heat. The dentist may use a tooth filling or adhesive material to cover the root and protect it from triggers. 

• Fillings for tooth decay 

If the pain is caused by tooth decay, the dentist treats the sensitivity by removing the damaged area and using the filling method to close the cavity and protect the inner layer. Treating the decay helps to prevent it from spreading and reduces the pain. 

• Treat cracked fillings 

A cracked filling allows food and liquid to reach the sensitive part of the tooth. The dentist evaluates the filling to determine whether it requires minor treatment or complete replacement. 

• Cleaning and gum disease treatment 

Dental cleaning helps to remove plaque that deposits around teeth and in the gumline. Some patients need deep cleaning if the inflammation builds up and causes gum recession and exposes the roots. Temporary sensitivity can occur after cleaning, when the roots are already exposed. It improves when patients follow the complete instructions as per the dentist's guidance. 

• Root canal treatment when required 

When the pain is severe, root canal treatment is required, or in cases where the inflammation reaches inside the tooth. This procedure is not recommended for mild sensitivity and is considered after a complete evaluation and an X-ray confirms that the tooth requires it. 

Successful tooth sensitivity treatment depends on identifying the cause instead of depending on the temporary pain. Mild cases can improve with some care or prevention tips recommended by the dentist, and in severe cases, complete dental treatment is required, such as a root canal. An early evaluation helps to select the suitable treatment and protect the teeth for a long period of time.