When you eat something hot, cold, sweet, or sour, have your teeth ever hurt or felt uncomfortable? If so, teeth sensitivity could be a problem. This common tooth issue can be annoying, but it could also mean that your mouth health is in poorer condition. Knowing what makes your teeth sensitive and how to treat it can help you keep them safe and stop further damage.

The Common Causes of Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity generally happens when the enamel layer on your teeth wears away or when your gums recede, letting the dentin layer below show. There are tiny nerve ends inside the thin dentin. When these nerves are uncovered, they feel pain from changes in temperature and pressure.

There are a number of reasons why gums and teeth may wear away. If you brush too hard, use a toothbrush with hard bristles, or grind your teeth at night, you can damage the enamel over time. Over time, acidic foods and drinks like soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar can also wear away enamel. Not taking care of your teeth and gums properly can cause gum loss, which can make discomfort worse.

Sensitivity as a Warning Sign

Teeth sensitivity may seem like a small issue, but it can be a sign of bigger problems. It could be a sign that you have a cracked tooth, crowns that are worn down, or even the beginning stages of tooth decay. In this case, you shouldn't ignore the pain because it could lead to diseases or more major dental treatments.

If you bite down or chew and feel sharp pain, this could mean that you have a cracked tooth. Breaks in teeth can be very small and hard to see, but they let germs into the tooth, which raises the risk of getting an illness. To save the tooth from extraction and remove the damaged pulp, a root canal for cracked teeth may occasionally be required. For that reason, you should see a dentist right away if you have constant pain, especially when you chew.

Dental Treatments That Can Help

Luckily, there are a number of dental treatments that can make your teeth less sensitive and keep them from getting worse. Dental sealants for adults are a useful choice. Sealants are often used on kids, but a growing number of adults are also finding them helpful. Sealants are thin, protective coats that are put on the back teeth's chewing surfaces to keep bacteria and food from getting stuck there. They keep teeth from decaying and can make teeth less sensitive by covering worn enamel.

Putting fluoride coats or other special desensitizing products on the sensitive teeth is another way to treat the problem. These items make the enamel stronger and stop the nerve ends in the dentin, which over time makes the teeth less sensitive. If the damage is more serious, your dentist may suggest gluing or even a crown to protect the tooth.

If the sensitivity is due to gum recession, your dentist may offer a treatment to hide the roots that are showing. This can make the pain a lot better. A root canal for a cracked tooth may be the only option to stop the pain and save the tooth in severe cases where the nerve inside the tooth is damaged.

How to Prevent Teeth Sensitivity?

Good daily habits are the first step in preventing teeth sensitivity. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth gently. You shouldn't brush your teeth right after eating acidic foods because your enamel is weaker then. Rinse your teeth with water and wait at least 30 minutes before you brush.

Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and acid, which can damage your teeth. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth while you sleep if you grind your teeth at night. Talk to your dentist about getting one. Also, you need to get your teeth cleaned and checked regularly to catch problems early and keep pain from getting worse.

If you have deep, difficult-to-clean grooves in your molars, dental sealants for adults can also be a wise preventative step. They keep cavities away and can make your teeth last longer.

When to See a Dentist?

If your teeth sensitivity doesn't go away or gets worse, you should see a dentist immediately. If you feel pain that doesn't go away or gets worse over time, it could mean that you have a cavity, an infection, or a cracked tooth. If you get care early, you may not have to go through more difficult and costly operations later on.

Even if the sensitivity isn't too bad, your dentist can suggest ways to strengthen your teeth and ease the pain. LiT Dental would be a perfect choice for you if you need professional help with a blend of expertise.