Sensitive Teeth: What, Why and How to Overcome It

Sensitive teeth is a common problem that is very unpleasant. Why do teeth become sensitive and what should you do if have it?

Sensitive teeth is a condition in which the teeth react to food or drink hot, sweet or sour. If you have sensitive teeth, drink a cold soda or eating chocolate can cause sudden severe pain in your teeth. The pain was sharp (pain), such as electric shock and usually only lasts a few seconds.

Cause

Sensitive teeth are caused by the depletion layer is reduced or email on our teeth. Teeth are formed from the dental pulp, living tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves, the dentine which is the largest structure of dental tissue and email (enamel), a very hard outer coating. (See the tooth anatomy)

Under normal conditions, the dentin is covered by email or gums. Dentin has small pores (called tubules) on the surface that leads into a pulp that has a lot of nerve. If a tooth is worn or eroded gums (gum recession), dentin can be stimulated by the food hot / cold, sweet, or sour. Stimulation of the dentine is passed through the tubules to tooth nerves, triggering pain.

Email depletion mainly due to poor eating habits. Email demineralized experienced when in contact with acids, such as soft drinks (with or without sugar), tomatoes and oranges. Very sweet foods also promote bacterial activity, which then produce acids and exacerbate the problem. Mechanical stresses such as bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep) or brushing with whitening toothpaste that is too aggressive can also damage the email.

What can you do?

Sensitive teeth can be faced with two approaches, reducing the things that cause problems and reduce tooth sensitivity.

1.       Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Change your toothpaste to control plaque and whiten teeth with special toothpaste sensitive teeth. This particular toothpaste has active substances such as potassium nitrate, citrate or oxalate which helps inhibit the sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, thereby reducing pain associated with sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day and do not brush your teeth for one hour after consuming acidic foods or beverages.

2.       Brush your teeth properly. Brushing correctly is very important to maintain your dental health. Brushing too hard can make teeth more sensitive. Choose a fluffy brush and keep brushing at a 45 degree angle against your gum line with short strokes and soft, especially on a meeting place of teeth and gums.

3.       Use a fluoride toothpaste. Although today almost all fortified with fluoride toothpaste, you need to make sure. Fluoride in toothpaste will help to gradually resurface your email (remineralization) and strengthens the tooth surface that has been demineralized by acid bacteria. Mouthwash containing fluoride is also a good choice for sensitive teeth.

4.       Reduce foods and beverages trigger. If you are accustomed to drinking tea or coffee sweetened, reduce the sugar in your drink. If you are accustomed to chewing gum at all times, reduce the amount of candy that goes into your mouth. For a while, cut fruits such as oranges, pineapples, tomatoes and sour soursop, replace with fruits that are less acidic and not too sweet.

5.       Get protective gear. If you often wake up with headaches or jaw pain, you may have a habit menggeretukkan teeth during sleep (bruxism). This habit makes the teeth wear out and cause tooth sensitivity. To fix this, you need to visit a dentist to get a mouth guard can protect your teeth during sleep.

6.       Ensure adequate calcium. Eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth.

If you've done good dental care, but you still continue to wince in pain when sipping hot or biting wedang lunkhead is legit, consult with experts. Your dentist can evaluate your condition and help determine the best way to reduce your tooth sensitivity.

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Posted in: dentistry,popular knowledge