There is nothing more attractive and welcoming than a healthy smile. Dental hygiene is not only of eminent importance due to the fact that a healthy smile and a good set of teeth helps elevate a person’s self confidence during an interaction, but it also ensures to eliminate oral pain and the risk of acquiring gum diseases in the long run.
It is essential for every person to maintain a certain degree of dental hygiene and put in a conscious effort by allotting time in the day to take care of one’s set of teeth and gums. It is also necessary to visit your dentist on a regular basis, which allows him or her to assess an individual’s overall oral health and treat them accordingly. The dentist is able to study a person’s facial bone structure and can identify potential problem areas and minimize the risk of diseases which might become problematic in the future.
Paying your dentist a visit every now and then drastically reduces the chances of any sort of oral diseases, as one can suggest ways to implement oral care techniques in order to improve one’s overall healthcare between visits.
Lack of dental hygiene can also give rise to other related health problems including digestion problems. The health of a person’s mouth is essentially a representation of one’s overall body health and serves as a vantage point to detect other diseases. The process of physically consuming food and chemically breaking down the nutrients starts from the mouth itself which makes your teeth the first step to the digestive process . Therefore, if an individual experiences any sort of oral ailment it is likely that the person is susceptible to other related healthcare issues. According to a study, there is a direct relation between gum disease and other health issues such as stokes and heart disease. Women who have poor oral health generally showcase incidences of preterm labor and low weight birth babies. There have been several research studies conducted which denote that as much as 90 percent of all diseases which affect several organs or the whole body occur due to oral manifestations such as swollen gums and mouth ulcers. Such diseases include diabetes, leukemia, deterioration of heart and kidney health as well as oral and pancreatic cancer.
In today’s day and age, it is a common phenomenon for a person to experience a sense of discomfort while consuming something in the extremities of hot or cold. When a person winces at the sensation of drinking a hot or cold beverage or eating very acidic or sweet food which causes a sharp sense of pain in their teeth, it is quite certain that the individual suffers from sensitive teeth. In fact, there are a range of common triggers for sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity generally occurs when the enamel, which is known to protect our teeth, gradually loses its thickness or when there is a depletion of overall gum health. The interior segment of a tooth is predominantly made up of a material which is known as dentin. Dentin is known to contain microscopic tubules which consist of minute nerve endings. A dense and firm outer layer of the enamel protects the dentin which is situated within the crown area of the tooth. The dentin extends downwards to the roots of the teeth and it is protected by a layer of cementum. Teeth sensitivity leads to the dentin, which is the underlying surface, to be completely exposed and unprotected. Tooth sensitivity is also popularly known as dentin hypersensitivity.
A significant portion of the population is affected by sensitive teeth, approximately 57% of the total population, due to their poor oral routine. It is more noticeable amongst people between the age groups of 20 and 40, although its occurrence is also possible amongst teenagers and elderly people above the age of 70. The sensation induced by tooth sensitivity is similar to that of tooth decay. The primary distinction is that in case of tooth decay, it is likely to experience a sensation only when it has progressed to an advanced stage.
10 Astonishing Causes of Sensitive Teeth
There are several causes which lead to sensitive teeth. They are as follows:
- Sensitive teeth can be an outcome of brushing your teeth with force and in an abrasive manner while applying a side to side motion. It can result in the enamel withering away gradually causing it to be less effective in terms of protection, leaving the dentin susceptible to sensitivity. Dentist’s advice their patients who suffer from sensitive teeth to opt for a soft bristled brush and work at 45 degree angle using a toothpaste rich in fluoride, in order to keep your enamel clean and well founded.
- A reaction is generally triggered when an individual is allowed to consume food and drinks which are particularly acidic in nature. It can ultimately result in severe dental erosion which erodes the enamel considerably over time and it leaves the dentin to be exposed. It is advisable to avoid food such as cheese, milk, plain yogurt, soda, food that has a high composition of sugar carbohydrates and the food rich in fiber.
- A recession occurs in the gums as a person attains a certain age, which causes the gums to shrink backwards, eventually leaving the roots to be exposed and vulnerable since they do not have the protective layer of the enamel and may lead to sensitivity.
- Long term gum diseases can increase the probability of teeth loss at an older age and may lead to gum recession.
- The act of grinding or clenching your teeth may result in your enamel to become thin over a period of time. If the severity of the case is extreme then it may require repositioning of one’s teeth or medication which serves as a muscle relaxer.
- A number of people resort to bleaching their teeth with the aim to achieve spotless pearl like teeth. Although, it must be noted that excessive bleaching may affect the health of your gums and lead to sensitive teeth. Some people experience sensitive teeth after the process of bleaching is completed although it is said to be temporary. Sensitivity also occurs after other dental treatments.
- Leakage around restorations that expose the dentin of the tooth leaving it more defenseless to sensitivity.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco which leads to oral cancer and gum diseases.
- A cracked or chipped tooth may result in the crack seeping all the way down to the root of the tooth. In extreme cold conditions, it may cause an individual pain. If the crack exceeds below the gum line, the tooth will likely have to be removed. Otherwise, it will require a filling.
- Post dental treatment sensitivity.
Treatment
There are numerous ways a person can treat sensitive teeth and improve their overall oral health. The preliminary step is to have an open and detailed conversation with your dentist regarding your current state of oral health, its scale of severity and possible solutions that will alter discomfort to relief. It is always good to openly describe what you feel when you eat or drink something in particular that causes distress or a sensation of pain. It allows your dentist to thoroughly understand and assess your symptoms, which will allow him or her to appropriately treat the underlying cause of sensitivity.
The range of treatment varies in relation to the problem in hand. It is important to use the correct toothpaste since there are several products available in the market which have been specifically formulated to treat sensitive teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing helps in removing plaque. It is also advisable to use a mouthwash which helps eradicate germs and ensures that your breath is fresh. It is important to incorporate a healthy diet as it helps in several ways to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and by making an effort to take care of your oral health can help in promoting durability and functionality of your teeth. An unhealthy diet may lead to cavities, infected or inflamed gums and even tooth loss. These consequences affect a person’s ability to eat and chew his or her food properly because of the pain it causes.
Desensitizing toothpastes also helps in case of sensitive teeth. Your dentist can prescribe a fluoride gel which will help in restoring the health of your teeth to a certain extent and provide a sense of relief. It is almost cruel if a person is unable to eat the food he or she loves due to the condition of their teeth. However, the choice to improve the situation is always available by visiting your dentist frequently and following his instructions. It is favorable to attend to persistent problem immediately rather than delaying the situation. It will only cause the situation to worsen. Therefore, it is not advisable to neglect even the slightest of discomforts. Your dentist will be able to address your problems effectively and advise you correctly.
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