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Practice good oral hygiene to avoid sensitive teeth
Poor brushing methods could lead to sensitivity of teeth.
Dear dentist, My teeth are too sensitive to an extent that I no longer eat some foods. On examination, the dentist did not find any cavities, what could be the problem?
Ben, Tororo
Ben, sensitivity of teeth is caused by a number of factors and each cause has a specific treatment to enable you get out of the problem. Many people have complained of sensitive teeth on taking foods or drinks that are either hot, cold, or sweet, and they have gone ahead to use some materials like tooth pastes and mouthwashes that are available on the market to get rid of this problem without ascertaining what really the cause is. But in the long run, the problem does not completely go away, so knowing the cause is very vital in managing this problem.
It is worth noting that having sensitive teeth is as a result of many factors and this varies from person to person. The sensitivity of teeth in general is mainly as a result of the second layer (dentine) of a tooth or teeth being exposed to decay, any fracture or some other factors. This sensitivity is caused by some of the following;
• Poor methods of brushing especially hard brushing of teeth or use of tooth brushes with hard bristles which erode away the outer part of the tooth (enamel) leading to exposure of the dentine which causes sensitivity
• Having receding gums which may be due to age or oral hygiene practicing practices.
• Having gum disease which exposes the lower part of the tooth (roots), which are also too sensitive to external environment.
• Accumulation of plaque and calculus. (Calculus is a hard coating on teeth which is usually yellowish that is caused by poor oral hygiene). This calculus exposes the roots of the tooth which are sensitive to air, hot and cold foods or drinks.
• Grinding of teeth for a long period erodes away the outer part of the tooth (enamel) exposing the dentine which may cause sensitivitry.
• Having cracked teeth which enables air and liquid pass through the outer layer (enamel) to the inner layer (dentine) making it susceptible to sensitivity.
• Having a tooth cavity especially near the dentine or within the dentine layer. The dentine is a very sensitive part of the tooth and if decay progresses to this layer, an individual will instantly feel sensitivity.
Among the treatments that can be provided include filling of a tooth with a cavity, professional cleaning of teeth, Oral Health Education, maintaining of good oral hygiene, treatment of soft tissue infections, composite or crown building of cracked tooth among other treatments as the dentist will professionally decide.
I advise you to seek physical help from a trusted and experienced dentist to further examine you and come up with a proper treatment plan.
