Sensitive Tooth Got You Down? Relief Isn’t Far Away
The number one complaint by dental patients is teeth sensitivity. A whopping one in five patients experience teeth sensitivity at some point in their lives.
So, what causes sensitive teeth? It comes down to a condition called “dentin hypersensitivity.” This is where the dentin which makes up the very core of a tooth is exposed.
Let us take a look at the make up of dentin which will give you a better understanding of how it all works. Dentin contains a bunch of microscopic tunnels that contain fluid and nerve endings. These channels also lead right down to a nerve center deep in the tooth.
Because dentin is so permeable, your teeth enamel is meant to act as a strong protective barrier around it. But sometimes the enamel is weakened or softened and it doesn’t do its job very well.
When enamel is damaged due to the various causes we’ll see in a bit; hot, cold, or acidic foods can work their way right through the enamel and into the dentin. Once in the dentin, they move down the channels we learned about and hit the nerve endings. This is the sharp pain you feel.
As you can see, keeping your teeth enamel strong and healthy is extremely important for reducing teeth sensitivity. Some of the things that cause enamel damage include: age, cracked or chipped teeth, brushing too vigorously, grinding teeth, and even the long term use of carbonated or acidic beverages.
In addition to taking care of your enamel, you may want to try toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These products include desensitizing ingredients that actually travel down the dentin’s channels and over time build up a protective barrier over the nerve endings.
Sensitive teeth toothpaste must be used on a regular basis for the barrier to be built up properly. You may also need to wait several weeks to feel relief, but it will come; these products are very effective.