What is it?  – best dentist sitges

Tooth sensitivity is a common condition. It is experienced as a painful sensation in the teeth, often occurring after eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Normally, the dentin is covered by enamel, but over time, the enamel covering can thin, providing less protection from external stimulation. Also, the gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentin. – best dentist sitges

SOURCE: Colgate

The dentin contains a large number of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods.

What causes it?

Exposure of the dentin is due to a number of factors. Some common causes are:

• Gum recession, due to age or improper tooth brushing
• Drinking acidic beverages, such as soda, can cause enamel erosion and dentin exposure
• Tooth grinding can cause most or all of the teeth to feel sensitive
• Brushing with an abrasive toothpaste, brushing incorrectly and/or brushing more than three times a day could result in a loss of enamel
• A chipped or fractured tooth can also expose the dentin

In addition, certain dental treatments can cause tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening, professional dental cleanings, orthodontics or fillings can cause sensitivity, either during or after the procedure.

What can I do about it?

The first step in dealing with dental sensitivity is to find out what the cause is; a dental professional can help you with this. If your sensitivity is due to exposed dentin, there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce the sensitivity. These can include: – best dentist sitges

• Using a very soft-bristle toothbrush
• Brushing correctly to help prevent enamel and gum recession
• Using a toothpaste specially formulated to help reduce sensitivity, like Colgate® Sensitive
• A dental professional can:
  • Apply fluoride varnish to the sensitive areas to help strengthen the tooth
  • Prescribe a high fluoride toothpaste for daily use
  • Place a dental restoration to build up the areas that have lost enamel

In the end, whether you need an in-office procedure or over-the-counter products, the most important step is to see a dental professional so that he or she can determine the cause of the tooth sensitivity and help you find a solution.

best dentist sitges

Brushing your teeth immediately after eating may affect your tooth enamel. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you’ve consumed anything acidic, you should avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes. Foods containing citric acid, such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, weaken tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating these types of foods can damage the enamel in its weakened state. – best dentist sitges

Therefore, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth before eating an acidic food and to drink a glass of water when you are finished to wash away the acids. For the best results, and if you have sensitive teeth, you should use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay and potassium nitrate to lessen the pain caused by tooth sensitivity.

As an alternative to waiting to brush your teeth, try eating nutritious foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugar after eating something acidic. This will help reduce the harmful acids that such foods can create.

In addition, according to the American Dental Association, prolonged exposure to phosphoric acid, an ingredient found in soft drinks, can erode hard tissues from the tooth surface. Acid erosion causes permanent damage to your teeth. To keep acid erosion to a minimum, limit snacking between meals and be mindful of consumption of soft drinks and sugary snack foods.

Check Out Colgate® Sensitive Toothpastes to Relieve Sensitivity. – best dentist sitges