“I scream. You scream. We all screambrwhen we eat ice cream. Rah, rah, rah!”
Slightly altered lyrics, but anyone with tooth sensitivity will not object.
Unfortunately, a wonderfully restoring sip of piping hot coffee in the morning can have the same painful effect as eating a snow cone. The discomfort you are feeling is an indication that the dentin in your teeth is exposed. When the dentin loses its protective covering, heat, cold, and acidic or sticky foods stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing hypersensitivity and discomfort.
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY?
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Drinking acidic beverages such as soda or lemonade, which can erode enamel
• Using a hard- istled tooth ush or ushing with a heavy hand
• Receding gum line, which exposes the root surfaces of teeth
• Cavities or fractured or cracked teeth
• Teeth-whitening products
• Plaque buildup
HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT SENSITIVE TEETH
Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing the pain associated with sensitive teeth and receding gums. Follow proper ushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth. To treat tooth sensitivity, start by visiting your dentist. He or she can identify or rule out any underlying causes.
Your dentist might recommend a fix as easy as using desensitizing toothpaste and switching to an electric tooth ush. He/she might also apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. Mouth guards are another effective treatment for those affected by teeth-grinding.
If receding gums are the cause of your sensitive teeth, your dentist might apply a sealant to cover the exposed tooth roots. If the pain is severe and other treatments have failed, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
But prevention is your best route. Brush gently twice a day with a soft- istled tooth ush and a good, non-a asive fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. And watch what you eat and drink. According to the Mayo Clinic, acidic food and drink such as carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, wine, and yogurt all remove tooth enamel. They recommend using a straw when drinking acid beverages. And they do not advise ushing right after you have ingested acidic substances since acid softens enamel and makes it more vulnerable to erosion during ushing. --S.H.
What's Up? does not give medical advice. This material is simply a discussion of current information, trends, and topics. Please seek the advice of a physician before making any changes to your lifestyle or routine.
