Teeth Sensitivity? Causes, Treatment & Prevention

The popularity of teeth whitening has increased dramatically over the years, but many people worry about the side effects. Well, I am here to tell you, you do not need to worry, because studies and research have proven that teeth whitening methods do not have any real adverse effects on your teeth or gums. The only problem you may face is teeth sensitivity. However, teeth sensitivity is likely to occur if the whitening product contains an ingredient called hydrogen peroxide. This is why we have our own advanced teeth whitening kit which contains a whitening agent "Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (PAP)" and causes no sensitivity.

When the underlying layer of the tooth, which is called dentin, becomes sensitive, the resulting sensitivity appears. This is because the roots are not protected by the hard enamel of the teeth. The roots contain thousands of small channels (dentinal tubes) that lead directly to the pulp or the nerve center. When the roots are exposed to stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet or sour foods, or even cold air, they can pass through the channels and reach the nerve center, causing pain.

A common cause of allergies is gum disease. Plaque and tartar build-up on the gum line, causing inflammation and irritation. This eventually leads to the formation of pockets as the gums recede from the enamel, exposing the layer of dentin below. Maintaining oral hygiene is the best way to avoid gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. See your dentist regularly to clean to remove hardened tartar that cannot be removed with brushing alone.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that dental procedures can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Restorations, crown placement, root scraping, fillings, and even clean-ups can cause some sensitivity. Usually, this is temporary. They disappear after a month or so. Using desensitising toothpaste 2-3 weeks before a scheduled dental visit can help reduce any sensitivity that may result.

Failure to brush teeth properly can lead to receeding gums and tooth wear. The culprit is brushing the teeth too hard or using a hard toothbrush. Make sure to brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled brush. Too much food and drinks that are high in acids can cause tooth erosion. When there is not enough protection, the enamel layer can be produced. Food and beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, citrus fruits/juices, and tomatoes should be consumed in small quantities if teeth sensitivity is already present.

Regular use of desensitising toothpaste can help reduce the effects of teeth sensitivity over time. It will take several weeks to notice the results, so it is essential to continue using it. Stopping the use of these kinds of toothpaste will cause sensitivity to return within a short period.