Sensitive teeth can be bothersome, even painful. The good news is that many sensitivities are caused by lifestyle habits that can be changed.
Why It Happens
Teeth become sensitive after the outer layer of enamel erodes to expose the dentin underneath. Our enamel is the strong outer layer that protects & allows for chewing of tough foods. Once there are gaps in the protective barrier of enamel, dentin is affected more easily by things like hot & cold food & drink. It’s more sensitive due to the nerve that is located within it in your innermost layer, the dental pulp.
How It Happens
Sensitivity, when not genetic, is typically caused by two things: diet & hygiene. Fixing issues with these two things early can save you a lot of discomfort down the road.
A diet rich in sugar & acidic foods will wear away enamel much more quickly than a more balanced diet. This is especially true with processed foods, which may contain much higher levels of sugar & preservative chemicals that erode enamel. Consuming less soda, candy & similar snacks is a great start to a stronger, healthier set of teeth. In addition, even things like fruits & grains can be acidic & high in sugar, which is why it’s a good idea to build a solid hygiene routine.
Your dental hygiene routine should involve brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing & using mouthwash. This power trio will clean teeth & help restore the natural pH balance in your mouth by removing acidic elements. It’s also important to not brush too hard or overdo teeth whitening.
However, even this isn’t enough. Most of us, even when brushing the full two minutes, still miss areas, especially around the gumline & on the backs of teeth. That’s why it’s so important to also go to your dentist for your regular cleaning.
Can Sensitivity Be Reversed?
While the above advice is great for preventing tooth sensitivity, the answer here is not as easy. There are toothpastes specifically designed for sensitive teeth & fluoride treatments that can keep your teeth strong. However, once your enamel is gone, it’s gone. Don’t believe products that claim they can restore your enamel, as research has shown that is not currently possible. Remineralization of existing enamel can help by using these products but you may need other treatment & changes to feel better eating & drinking.
Your dentist can apply sealants, bonding or perform a root canal to alleviate pain & sensitivity, depending on your case. These treatments can get you back to eating normally again, but it’s best to make a more balanced diet of normal moving forward to maximize the life of your treatment.
Sometimes, avoiding hot or cold drinks & foods is needed. While this may sound pretty limiting, it will help things from getting worse & possibly even losing teeth.
If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can create a custom care plan that will get you back to eating & drinking pain free.
Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sensitive-teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9376650/
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/can-tooth-enamel-be-restored#