Sensitive
teeth are mainly caused by exposed dentine. If
enamel has been worn or damaged, then it will
lose its protective function and the dentine will
be exposed. The dentine has many fine dentinal
tubules connecting to the pulp. When it is stimulated
by eating or drinking hot, cold, sour, or sweet
food and beverages, or when it is contacted by
a toothbrush or dental floss, sharp pain will
be felt.
Causes for exposed dentine
Brushing
with a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard,
or brushing with excessive force can abrade the
enamel of teeth.
Frequently
eat or drink highly acidic food or beverages will
lead to acidic erosion of the enamel.
Suffering from Periodontal Disease which causes gum recession and exposed root surface.
Management
Dentist
will apply topical
fluoride on the tooth surface or perform a
filling according to the condition.
Use a “mouth guard” made by the dentist to avoid further attrition of teeth.
Use desensitizing
toothpaste to relieve tooth sensitivity. You
should consult your dentist before purchasing or
using this type of toothpaste.
Prevention
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Brush
with a gentle force.
Avoid frequent intake of highly
acidic food or beverages such as fruit juice,
sports drink, soft drink, yogurt, red wine, white
wine, etc., to avoid acidic attack.
Avoid biting on hard food such as bone, nut or shell to prevent enamel from fracturing.
Sufficient
sleep and exercise to relieve stress to avoid
bruxism (grinding teeth).
