Teeth sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is a common oral health problem affecting one or more teeth of many adult individuals on global basis, yet few of them bring this issue to the attention of either their dentist or dental hygienist. Most of these patients develop coping strategies to the sensitivity such as less or no ice cold drinks, use of straw direct fluids away from the sensitive tooth, tooth brushing with warm water, avoiding using the side of sensitivity while chewing etc.
Tooth wear
Tooth wear may be due to erosion, attrition or acute trauma (tooth fracture). Tooth wear could be due to toothbrush abrasion or excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth.
Erosion of the teeth could be due to various acids that are common in our diet and it is accepted that an increase in acid intake corresponds with an increase in erosion. Generally, a pH of 5.5 0r lower is capable of softening the surface of the teeth within only a few minutes and a softened tooth surface is vulnerable to physical abrasive forces leading to irreplaceable loss and thus tooth wear. Also sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported complaints among users of in-office or at home dental bleaching materials used in whitening teeth. Decay of teeth (caries) is also another contributing factor to sensitivity.
Treatment
The first step towards intervention of teeth sensitivity is screening and diagnosis by the dentist. The cause of the sensitivity will be found and the dentist will manage the sensitivity as per the diagnosis made.
There are many different desensitizing toothpastes in the market and also in office. Desensitizers used are also used by the dentist in the clinic. After the diagnosis, the dentist will be in the best position to give the patient the best recommendations.
