At times we tend to ignore dental problems while dealing with our routine daily life issues. One such issue which we almost don’t bother about tooth sensitivity. Now, the question is how you know about tooth sensitivity issues. It’s simple, if you experience pain in the teeth when you have something very hot or may be very cold like ice-cream, if you experience a wince while flossing or brushing your teeth, it indicates that you are having the condition.
In healthy teeth, the part above the gum layer, known as the cementum helps protect the root of the teeth while enamel is the protective layer that takes care of the teeth crown. The base layer that is below the enamel and cementum is the dentin. When this dentin is exposed, its microscopic tubules allow the hot, cold or acidic foods to reach the nerves as well as cells in the tooth. Dentin exposure may also happen if the gums recede resulting into hypersensitivity or root sensitivity as it is often known.
TRIGGERS
- Consuming foods that are very hot
- Consuming foods that are very cold
- Inhaling cold air
- Brushing teeth
- Consuming foods high on sugar
CAUSES
- Brushing teeth rigorously
- Erosion of teeth due to consumption of acidic foods and beverages
- Gum recession that leads to exposure of your gums
- Tooth erosion because of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bulimia
DIAGNOSIS
If you tend to experience the aforementioned symptoms then it’s advisable that you schedule an appointment with your dentist.
TREATMENT
Root Canal – If the sensitivity is severe in nature and it’s not curable by any other means, a root canal is the treatment that is used in-order to get rid of this conditions.
Crown/bonding/ inlay – One of these treatment practices are used if there is any decay that causes insensitivity.
Toothpaste Change – Changing your tooth paste to the one that helps in sensation blocking during transmission from the surface of the tooth to the nerve in order to reduce sensitivity is advised by dentists.
Gum Grafting – Gum grafting is carried out surgically and helps protect the root as well as reduce sensitivity.
Fluoride gel – A fluoride gel is a technique used for strengthening the enamel of the tooth, thereby reducing the sensation transmission to the nerves.
The Department of Public Health Dentistry at RRDCH is the best for diagnosis and academic training in the speciality in Bangalore
*Sourced from the Internet