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Sensitive Teeth:
If you occasionally
experience a sudden flash of pain, or mild tingly feeling when you bite
into sweet or sour foods, or drink hot or cold beverages, you may have
sensitive teeth. Pain from sensitive teeth is not always
constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a
more serious problem. Cold sensitivity can
be caused by a variety of reasons - it can range from gum recession to
irreversible pulpal damage. Irreversible pulpal damage occurs
when decay and the accompanying bacteria enter the pulpal chamber which
contains the nerve tissue. This will usually bring acute cold
sensitivity and must be treated as quickly as possible in order to
avoid a painful abscess. Removal of the damaged nerve is
initiated to bring relief and permit healing.
Cause
of Sensitive Teeth:
In
healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums
and your teeth's hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the
dentin, called tubules, connect back to the nerve triggering pain when
irritated by certain foods and beverages. Dentin can be exposed
by:
- Gum recession which
slightly exposes the roots of the teeth - cold stimuli then goes
through the porous roots to "set off" the nerve of the tooth.
- Improper brushing
(damaging the gum line).
- Gum disease.
- Fractured or chipped
teeth.
- Leaky fillings or
decay can also bring about these symptoms. Usually removing the
failed filling and removing the decay will be the recommended
treatment.
- Clenching or grinding
your teeth.
Care of Sensitive Teeth:
Depending
on the diagnosis, one or more of the following treatments may be
performed to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:
- Usually a
desensitizing toothpaste (a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth)
will plug up the pores of the roots and either block access to the
nerve or insulate the nerve itself therefore decreasing
sensitivity. Usually this takes a few days to a few weeks to
become effective. A sensitive
toothpaste usually eases pain in about two to four weeks.
- The dentist can also
apply a "desensitizer" or prescribe a fluoride
treatment which also can solve this problem.
- Use of a soft
bristled toothbrush to protect the gums.
- A protective "insulator"
can be placed in the deep areas of the cavity to help protect the nerve
of the tooth before placing the restoration. If there is not
enough tooth structure left to support a filling then a crown will be necessary.
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