Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity is one of the most common Complaints among dental Patients and approximately 40 million adults in the United State`s Suffer at some point from sensitive teeth. Moreover, it occurs when inner layer of tooth is exposed. A sharp nature pain is felt on taking hot and cold food or in response to cold air and taking sweet and acidic food.

Cause of teeth sensitivity:

• Hard bristled brush
• Over Brushing.
• Brushing with abrasive toothpaste.
• Grinding of teeth.
• Broken tooth.
• Over use of mouth wash.
• Chipped tooth.
• Tooth decay.
• Gum recession.

Symptom`s:

If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drink`s makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive.

Prevention:

• Brushing properly twice daily for 2 minutes with toothpaste that does not have high levels of abrasive.
• Flossing once a day.
• A diet low acidic foods and drinks also help prevent Tooth Sensitivity.

Treatment:

• Treatment option totally depends upon the damage caused to the teeth and it varies for each patient.
• If the damage is less and sensitivity is mild, recommending a desensitizing toothpaste and soft toothbrush is enough.
• But if the damage is extensive then other treatment option are suggested like. Fluoride gel, Filling the exposed tooth part, Laser treatment for sensitivity.

Do's:

• Brush and floss regularly.
• Use a softer toothbrush.
• Wait for an hour to brush your teeth after taking acid food.
• Taking healthy food
• Fiber rich food
• Anti oxidant

​Don'ts:

• Don`t brush too hard and too often.
• Avoid intake of acid containing food and drink`s like soda, high sugar carbohydrate food.
• Don`t consume tobacco.

Writer: Dr. Tanzimul Islam, Intern Doctor, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital.