Tooth Sensitivity
Question:
What are the causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
Answer:
Sensitivity of the teeth can occur for many reasons. Some of the causes include:
- Teeth Grinding and clenching
- Exposed root surfaces due to gum recession or tooth brush abrasion
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Mobility
- Tooth cracks or fractures
- Nerve damage
- Tooth trauma
Question:
What can be done to prevent, reduce or treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Answer:
Often times if you solve the cause of a problem you will eliminate the symptoms. Tooth sensitivity caused by grinding and clenching, can often be eliminated by reducing, eliminating or learning to cope with the stresses encountered in one’s life. Tooth sensitivity brought about by malocclusion (improper bite) can be reduced in various ways, including: adjusting one’s bite, redoing inadequate restorations, correcting asymmetries and poor jaw position with various removable appliances, and sometimes full mouth reconstruction to restore teeth to their proper levels.
Question:
How long should one have to live with sensitive teeth?
Answer:
Minor amounts of sensitivity can often be controlled with sensitivity toothpastes, fluoride gels or other types of desensitizing agents. However, if the amount of discomfort that you get from this sensitivity is causing you to change your life style or is a constant source of distress, you should address this sensitivity more definitively. First, you should see your dentist to determine the cause of your sensitivity (i.e. exposed root areas, teeth grinding, fracture, cavities, etc.). Second, take note of what causes the sensitivity (i.e. hot, cold, air, sweets, etc.) and its duration (does it linger, or does it go away after the stimulus is removed). Often times your dentist can put a layer of bonding over an exposed root, make you a night guard for grinding, or repair a cavity or minor tooth fracture. If the sensitivity still persists, a more involved treatment may be indicated.
Question:
Are diet sodas bad for my teeth?
Answer:
Diet soda does not contribute to the development of cavities due to the lack of sugar. However, the acid in diet soda has the potential to contribute to the breakdown of the tooth’s enamel. The pH of regular and diet soda ranges from 2.47-3.35. The PH in our mouth is normally about 6.2 to 7.0 slightly more acidic than water. Once the PH reaches below the range of 5.2 to 5.5, the acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel of our teeth. The Phosphoric and citric acids within the diet soda contribute to that acidity. Additionally, when a person drinks regular soda, and combines the acid with the sugar, rampant decay will ensue.