If your teeth have become sensitive to temperature, it means that they have been compromised in some way or the other. At times, after hitting too hard, one or more teeth move out of place. These shifts may bring about changes in the manner in which the biting surfaces meet. Such changes can cause tooth sensitivity to temperature. Habits as thumb sucking or alterations in bone structure can also shift the teeth and lead to sensitivity.
The most common cause of sensitivity is exposure of dentin, which is a hardened tissue just underneath the enamel. It contains microscopic nerve fibers, and gets exposed due to reasons as varied as decay, gum recession, toothbrush abrasion and so forth. Once the nerves are exposed, tooth sensitivity becomes inevitable.
If you are experiencing sensitivity in more than one tooth, it is advisable to seek the advice of your dentist to determine the true cause. If the cause of tooth sensitivity is enamel abrasion or gum recession, then you can surely try some home remedies. They are harmless, yet very effective. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, get a special mouth guard. Your dentist can help you to get a good mouth guard.
Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession or enamel abrasion cannot be treated by dental filling. The only thing that you can do is to use desensitizing toothpaste. You can buy it over the counter. Either brush your teeth twice with the desensitizing toothpaste or apply little bit of it on the sensitive spots with the help of your finger or cotton swab. Do not rinse your mouth, just spit out the extra bit of toothpaste. Within a week of usage, your teeth will become less sensitive.
Fluoride rinse is quite effective in cases where tooth sensitivity occurs due to dental decay. You can get it without prescription from the local pharmacy or the dental section of a grocery shop. Use it only once a day, preferably in the night. To tone down sensitivity, you just have to swish the rinse in your mouth for a few minutes and spit it out.
Keep your teeth neat and tidy. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a week. Regular brushing and flossing will prevent the deposition of plague, which is a white gummy substance that produces acid and corrodes the enamel. Once the enamel is corroded, your teeth become sensitive.
While brushing your teeth, you should not apply too much pressure. Also, make sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles. Hard-bristled brush and excessive pressure can damage the enamel, which can lead to sensitivity. Last, but not the least, avoid eating hard candies, chewing gums, and the like. All these substances cause enamel abrasion and tooth sensitivity.
Almost in every situation related with a teeth problems, it is highly recommended to turn to your family dentist. In some emergency situations, when the pain is sharp and likely to disturb you interfere with your daily agenda, visiting an emergency dental clinic would be a vise choice. In any case, when dealing with dental issues, it is much better to prevent something from happening than catch up with a results.
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