What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity refers to a sharp, short pain that occurs when a tooth comes into contact with cold food or drink, and the pain lasts only for a few seconds.
What is the cause of tooth sensitivity?
Most of the time, exposed dentin is the reason. This can happen if there is gum recession on that tooth. There are some other occasions when we experience quite similar types of pain, and they are a cracked tooth and decay or a hole in the tooth. We can find out the real reason by examining the tooth clinically and sometimes by taking an X-ray of the tooth. Also, by asking the patient more questions about any other signs and symptoms with that tooth.
What to do if tooth sensitivity is only due to gum recession?
The best way is to use sensitive toothpaste to block the open tubules of dentin or create a protective layer over the exposed dentin. Sometimes we can use the usual filling materials we have to cover the exposed area over the root and prevent cold food or drink from reaching the dentin.
What sensitive toothpaste options are available?
Generally, we recommend any of the following toothpastes:
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief
- Sensodyne Repair and Protect
- Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief
How to use the sensitive toothpaste?
There are a few tips and tricks to follow to make sure you get the most benefit from sensitive toothpaste:
- Only use sensitive toothpaste; do not use it alternatively with any other toothpaste.
- Brush for at least 3 to 4 minutes to give enough time for the toothpaste to work.
- After brushing, apply a little bit of toothpaste to the sensitive tooth or teeth with your finger and leave it there for about 20 minutes.
- Do not eat or drink any acidic food or drink for at least a few weeks until the toothpaste builds up a protective layer over the tooth. Remember that acids will work against the toothpaste.
- Do not brush too hard.
What are acidic foods or drinks?
Anything sour, like lemon juice, orange juice, and vinegar, as well as all soft drinks, carbonated or fizzy drinks, sour foods or candies, wine, beer, sparkling wine or water, soda water, and even coffee and tea. Of course, they are not all the same, and the amount of acidity varies from one to another, but keeping that in mind may help to avoid consuming too much of any of them.