Sensitive Teeth - Causes and Remedies

If your child is unusually reticent about brushing and is not showing keenness to take anything hot or cold, then it is time for you to take him to the dentist for a closer examination of their teeth. Many children may be unable to express the feeling of sensitive teeth clearly and as a young mother, you need to watch the eating habits of your kids to understand whether they have any dental related issue.

So what is the condition of sensitive teeth?
First of all, this is not a condition that affects only children. Many grownups face this condition at different stages in their life. It is not necessary however that everybody should come across this problem either.
Essentially, the condition is caused due to any hot, cold food or drink and even air hitting the exposed dentine of your teeth. This is that part which is well protected by enamel but over time and sometimes even when you are a kid, this part becomes exposed due to using an abrasive toothpaste and due to faulty brushing habits.

The tooth structure is such that the enamel coating is pretty thin near the gum line. Dentine consists of many tubules that connect to the nerves that traverse the inside of the teeth. When dentine becomes exposed at the gum line, the nerves are stimulated, leading to that feeling of pain and sensitiveness.

Other causes for sensitive teeth
Accumulation of bacteria and the resultant production of acids may also cause the dentine to become exposed. Problems like gum recession, any disease of the gums, the habit of grinding the teeth when sleeping (also referred to as bruxism) are other pertinent factors that can cause sensitive teeth. At times, an improperly conducted teeth whitening process can also lead to sensitive teeth.

What can you do about it, or what is the remedy for sensitive teeth?
The first thing to do is to avoid anything abrasive. Go for a soft toothbrush and avoid mouth washes that have alcohol in them. Follow a different technique of tooth brushing. Sensitive teeth can also be tackled through special desensitizing toothpastes. These work by ensuring that the nerves that are connected to the tubules of the dentine do not get stimulated and therefore the shooting pain associated with such stimulation is totally nullified. People using such toothpastes have been able to consume hot and cold food comfortably within a couple of days of usage. These pastes are best used by applying them with your fingers rather than with the toothbrush. You need to apply them on the sore spots and you can keep using them till you get the desired level of comfort.

Use fluoride mouthwashes
Another way of dealing with sensitive teeth is to make use of high fluoride mouthwashes. Swishing the mouthwash such that it enters all possible areas within your mouth will ensure that the fluoride can act on the exposed dentine. Use these mouthwashes after brushing and especially before going to bed so that the total benefits can be derived out of the mouthwash. Do not rinse after using the mouthwash.

The problem of bruxism can be tackled through the use of a custom made mouth guard to be worn during night time. This will stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep.

If you fell some pain when you eat hot and cold food, you are probably suffering of sensitive teeth. There are habits and treatments for this condition that will help you to minimize the painful feeling.