You were just about to take a drink of that iced tea, or maybe bite down on a chocolate bar, or even taste a bowl of hot mushroom soup, when you felt a painful sensation in two or more of your teeth. If you have experienced this more than once in your life, you are probably suffering from sensitive teeth, a rather mild name for a highly uncomfortable condition.

Having sensitive teeth is a common condition. Around the world, it is estimated that approximately half of the whole population suffers from tooth sensitivity. This means that one out of two people suffers from some form of sensitive teeth. The fact that tooth sensitivity comes and goes over periods of time explains the high percentage of people suffering from it.

The pain or discomfort from sensitive teeth occurs during drinking or eating cold or hot food, eating sweets, hard food, and acidic food, touching the teeth with the tongue, other teeth, or other objects such as toothbrushes, and breathing cold air. People suffering from sensitive teeth cite various reasons, usually a combination of more than two of these situations.

There are two main types of tooth sensitivity, classified based on the area of the teeth affected. The first type occurs when the middle layer or dentin of a tooth is exposed. The dentin is normally covered by enamel right above the gum line, and by cementum right below the gum line. The dentin has small openings called tubules, each of which has nerve evenings. Exposed dentin makes the tubules vulnerable to external factors that can cause sensitive teeth, such as hot and cold temperatures and pressure.

The more common causes for the wearing away of the dentin are the following: brushing the teeth too hard and using hard toothbrushes; poor or improper oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar build-up on the gum line; untreated dental cavities; exposed, cracking, or leaking tooth fillings; receding gum lines, exposing the roots of the teeth; excessive tooth whitening; and frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages. To avoid teeth sensitivity due to exposed dentin, avoid those situations as much as possible.

The other type of teeth sensitivity is due to pulpal sensitivity, which is caused by the reaction of the pulp of the teeth to external factors. The pulp is made up of mass of blood vessels and nerves found near the center of each tooth. More often than not, pulpal teeth sensitivity affects only one tooth at a time. The more common causes of pulpal teeth sensitivity are the following: dental decay or infection; a recently done tooth filling; excessive pressure from teeth clenching or grinding; and a broken or cracked tooth.

Of these two types of teeth sensitivity, the more common and lasting is the dentin tooth sensitivity. Although both can be self-treated, it is best to see a dentist if you are suffering from sensitive teeth. The dentist knows the best solution to get rid of your sensitive teeth, so have faith. If you have already visited the dentist regarding your teeth’s sensitivity and you have found out that the cause of it is normal gum recession or simple enamel abrasion, you can try various home remedies to get rid of it.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Keeping your teeth clean is the best way to get rid of sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth as if your life depends on it. Every day, take time to properly brush and floss your teeth. At least five minutes for cleaning your teeth and gums, two or three times each day, is the recommended allotted time for oral hygiene. Brush your teeth every time you finish a meal and, as much as possible, floss at least once a day. Get rid of plaque, the white substance that builds up in between the teeth and gums, as it can create acids that irritate the teeth and cause sensitivity.

Brush Teeth Sensitivity Away: Use Soft Toothbrushes

Teeth sensitivity can be caused by brushing with too much pressure or force on the teeth surface, especially with the use of toothbrushes with hard bristles. Refrain from using hard toothbrushes, as these can damage and destroy the protective tooth enamel as well as the gums. Exposed dentin due to receding gum lines is even more vulnerable to abrasion, so be careful when brushing your teeth. Buy a toothbrush with soft bristles and use it gently on your teeth. As much as possible, apply little pressure on your teeth when brushing. Not only will this prevent your teeth from reacting to pressure, but it will also allow the bristles of the toothbrush to move more freely and be more effective at cleaning your teeth.

Know How to Properly Brush

If you already have sensitive teeth, you need to brush properly to keep your teeth from suffering. The best way to brush is to put the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. By brushing this way, you clean your teeth and gums at the same time. Also remember to apply only light pressure on your teeth and gums when brushing. By brushing your teeth properly, you can remove around 98 percent of plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth healthy and pain-free.

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

Sensitivity of the teeth due to enamel abrasion or recession of the gum lines cannot be solved by dental fillings. The best way to get rid of sensitive teeth in this case is to brush regularly with the use of desensitizing toothpaste that can be bought over the counter. Desensitizing toothpastes are specially formulated to help strengthen sensitive teeth. Some formulas are made with various ingredients that actively diminish sensitivity of the teeth by filling the tubules of the dentin. Before going to bed, you can also try putting toothpaste on your teeth. Put toothpaste on your finger or a cloth and then spread it on your sensitive teeth, leaving it on until the morning. If you do this regularly for a few weeks, your teeth will feel less sensitive.

Avoid Unhealthy Habits: Know When to Say Enough

Unhealthy eating habits can also contribute to aggravating sensitive teeth. If you eat too many candies and sweets, the teeth are more prone to developing plaque and cavities, which can cause teeth sensitivity. As much as possible, refrain from eating candies and sweets; opt instead for naturally-sweet foods, such as fruits. Also, avoid eating and biting on hard foods. By biting and chewing hard foods, you are subjecting your teeth to too much pressure, which can cause or worsen teeth sensitivity. Do not alternate from eating hot and cold foods, as this can trigger teeth sensitivity. Slurping on hot soup then drinking cold juice right after is a big no-no. Also, avoid smoking or, worse, chewing tobacco, as they can cause your gums to recede. When gums recede, the dentin becomes exposed, leading to teeth sensitivity.

If you want to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful, remember to practice proper oral hygiene, especially when you have sensitive teeth. Having sensitive teeth is indeed a sensitive issue, as it can cause great discomfort and pain. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so be vigilant when it comes to your teeth. On the first sign of sensitive teeth, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for a check up and consultation.

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