Facts about sensitive teeth and the right way to deal with it

Sensitive teeth are temporary pain when doing certain activities such as brushing teeth, and eating or drinking hot or cold. If the sensation of pain arises, this condition can interfere with activity. The following facts and tips to deal with sensitive teeth you need to know. Sensitive teeth can cause simple activities, such as eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee, can be painful. A layer of enamel on healthy teeth will protect the crown of the tooth which is at the top of the gum line. Meanwhile, to protect tooth roots there is a layer called cementum. Then there is dentine under the enamel and cementum. Dentin itself is not as dense as enamel or cement. If the two protective layers of dentin are lost, then hot, cold, acidic, or sticky food can reach the nerves and cells in the teeth. This condition causes sensitive teeth.

Recognize Factors that Cause Sensitive Teeth

There are several factors that trigger the occurrence of sensitive teeth, including:

• Hole in the teeth.
• Broken teeth.
• Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
• Brushing teeth too strong or rough. The use of hard bristles and strong force can damage the protective layer of teeth and create very small holes in the teeth.
• Plaque buildup.
• Frequent consumption of foods and drinks that are too acidic. For example ketchup, lemon, kiwi, and pickles can cause sensitive teeth feel achy.
• Mouthwash containing alcohol. The content of alcohol and other chemicals in mouthwash can make teeth become sensitive. Toothpaste that contains bleach can also cause the same thing.
• Tooth grinding habits.
• Side effects of a procedure performed by a dentist, such as teeth whitening, tooth extraction, dental crowns. If the pain continues after several days, immediately contact the dentist, because pain can be caused by an infection.
• Decay on the edges of dental fillings.

The right way to handle sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth are not a serious condition, but they can interfere with your daily activities. And clearly, sensitive teeth can be treated. Treatments that are generally recommended by doctors for sensitive teeth include:

• Use toothpaste with a special formula for sensitive teeth.
• Use toothpaste with Novamin technology (calcium formula) that can protect the layer of cavities that can cause tooth pain. Sodium calcium phosphosilicate found in novamin is useful for reducing hypersensitivity to teeth, cleaning plaque, and eradicating germs on teeth.
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Applying fluoride to sensitive areas of teeth can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
• Closing. Open or sensitive tooth roots can be treated by applying a special compound to cover the sensitive tooth root.
• Root canal (root canal). This is a procedure that is performed to treat infections at the center of a tooth root, by cleaning and placing patches on cavities or sensitive teeth.
• Gum surgery. Roots of teeth that have lost the gum layer can cause tooth pain. The doctor can take a protective layer from other gums, and then put on this sensitive part.

Here are some ways to prevent the occurrence of sensitive teeth:

• Avoid brushing your teeth too hard.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as soda, sticky candy, and those that contain high sugar or carbohydrates such as chocolate and ice cream. Eating cheese, milk, green tea, black tea, low sugar gum and yogurt will also help fight acids and bacteria that can eat away your teeth. Plus, don't brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
• Although it is temporary, teeth whitening procedures can cause sensitive teeth. Talk to the dentist about the teeth whitening procedure and the risks involved.
• Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day according to doctor's recommendations.
• It is recommended to use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• If you want to use mouthwash, choose a product that is alcohol free and use it according to doctor's recommendations.

Be sure to choose the right toothpaste, toothpaste with Novamin technology to protect and repair sensitive teeth as recommended so that tooth pain can be avoided. The active ingredients of toothpaste containing Novamin can overcome the symptoms of sensitive teeth. If you experience sensitive teeth, consult a dentist immediately to identify and provide more intensive treatment and care if complaints of sensitive teeth do not improve after trying several ways above.