How I Cope with Sensitive Teeth

Then, I conferred about the problem with my dentist, who swiftly diagnosed the most common problem: Dentinal hypersensitivity.

While analyzing the possible causes, he ruled out fractured teeth, cavities, and teeth decay.

The culprit was worn tooth enamel along with exposed tooth roots.   

They both cover another inner layer of the tooth, known as dentin, which is also hard, but less dense and full of microscopic hollow tubes or channels, called tubules. 

Therein lies the problem.

Tubules link up to the vital (living) pulp in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and touchy, easily irritated nerves. 

Thus, worn out or cracked tooth enamel, and/or receded gums, result in exposed dentin and consequentially aggravating hypersensitivity, discomfort, and pain.  

Moreover, sensitive teeth may bring about some other utmost disturbing occurrences such as swollen and red gums, bad breath (halitosis), discharge, and altered tasting ability.   

Select quality, soft bristled toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste that blocks or reduces transmission of painful sensation on the way from the tooth surface to the nerve.

My dentist strictly advocated the choice of ultra soft brush and only tender, gel type of toothpaste.

Besides, she dissuaded the purchase of electric brush. Naturally, you need to discuss your case with your dentist as not two people are the same and every individual may vary widely from another one.

Brush your teeth gently in a prescribed manner, never press hard. Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every three months.   

Use of dental floss is obligatory, yet small inter-dental brush may do even a better job.

Its use is handy and tremendously efficacious. Once inserted, a couple of in-and-out movements guarantee most thoroughly cleaned teeth and gums without the hassle of complicated flossing process and large amounts of wasted floss.

Also known as interproximal brushes or proxy brushes, inter-dental brushes are reusable and available in many different shapes and sizes. 

Besides, different inter-dental brushes are mostly conveniently interchangeable with practical, helpful handles. 

In the same way, hot liquids like coffee, tea, or soup, may be tormenting, as well.

Always thirsty, I used to drink buckets of apple-flavored natural water; but gasped in horror when my dentist discovered totally dissolved enamel on both upper front teeth! Still, there is no need to give up all you truly like – sipping through the straw minimizes the contact with your teeth.   

Several foods can be terribly damaging to tooth enamel, provoking the hypersensitivity or even aggravating the condition.

Carbonated and soft drinks, such as lemonade and juices, acidic foods such as vinegar pickles, all contribute to teeth sensitivity by wearing away the enamel.

As far as I am concerned I absolutely cannot eat apples, kiwi, pineapple, and oranges. Strawberries yes - but only smashed and swiftly gulped down without chewing.

Furthermore, those who suffer from gastric reflux should stay away from foods that trigger the problem.   

Very hard foods are the malefactor for  cracked teeth and fillings and, consequentially, hypersensitivity. Crunching ice and hard candies is fancy, but disastrous. As well, skip caramels and other excessively sticky foods.    

If it happens that gums are vastly receded, dentin bonding agents at the root of the tooth can seal the touchy zone.

As a last resort, endodontic (root canal) treatment solves the problem when persistent and insufferable hypersensitivity cannot be healed in any other way.

Whether you are a victim of bruxism (grinding teeth), protective teeth grinding guard wear is highly recommended.