Treating sensitive teeth at home, how come it doesn't heal too?

If your teeth often feel cold when you eat something hot or cold, this is a sign that you have sensitive teeth. Even though it makes you cranky to death, there are actually various easy ways to treat sensitive teeth yourself at home. So if your sensitive teeth are still acting up, it's a good idea to go to the dentist to get the right treatment. However, if you go to the doctor, can sensitive teeth be completely healed?

What, the hell, causes sensitive teeth?

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Human teeth are made up of several layers. The outermost layer of the tooth is called tooth enamel (enamel), the roots are called cementum, and the innermost layer of the tooth is called dentin. Teeth will be sensitive when the dentin layer is exposed to the outside environment.

Dentin is connected by a channel that contains nerve fibers. So when the dentin is exposed to cold or hot temperatures from whatever you consume, automatically the nerve fibers in the teeth are also exposed and cause pain.

Who is most at risk of having sensitive teeth?

There are many things that can cause dentin to open up. For example, because tooth enamel is eroded, exposing its roots. This can be caused by cavities, tartar, the habit of brushing your teeth too hard, receding gums, and gum disease (gingivitis). The habit of grinding teeth (bruxism) while sleeping can also erode tooth enamel and make teeth sensitive.

In addition, the food and drinks you eat everyday can make sensitive teeth. Especially foods that are too acidic like ketchup, lemon, kiwi, and pickles. Acidic foods can cause erosion of the outer layer of the teeth, making your teeth sore after eating.

Acid can cause the protective layer of the teeth to thin. That is why sensitive teeth are also often experienced by people who have digestive diseases such as ulcers or GERD, because stomach acid that rises to the esophagus to the mouth can hit the lining of the teeth. The same is true of people who have bulimia. Throwing up digested food will erode your teeth and make them sensitive.

Routine treatment at the dentist can also make teeth sensitive

After dental treatment at the doctor, one of the "side effects" that is most often complained of is sensitive teeth. Whereas not before.

This usually occurs after tartar cleaning or from the "batter" of an acidic tooth filling. However, these side effects are temporary and can return to normal over time.

The characteristics of sensitive teeth

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A sore feeling that occurs right when or after eating / drinking something hot or cold is the most common characteristic of sensitive teeth. In more severe cases, people with sensitive teeth can feel a sense of pain when they breathe through their mouth even though they are not eating or drinking anything.

How to treat sensitive teeth?

There are various simple ways to treat sensitive teeth at home, namely:

• Brush your teeth properly. Don't press the brush and brush your teeth too hard.
• Choose a soft bristle brush. Coarse bristles can make the gums droop and erode tooth enamel.
• Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth that contains high fluoride and minerals.
• Avoid immediately consuming foods and drinks that are too hot or cold. Wait a few warm moments.
• Eat less foods that are too acidic.
• Give up biting your nails.
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating / drinking something sweet and sour. Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating if you want to brush your teeth.
• Use mouthwash to help treat sensitive teeth.

Can sensitive teeth heal completely?

In most cases, sensitive teeth can heal if the treatment is right and done painstakingly. Regular use of sensitive toothpaste is powerful enough to cure less severe cases of sensitive teeth. Toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth generally contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride which works to protect the nervous system in teeth while blocking pain signals. Treatment with sensitive toothpaste is usually the first time a dentist recommends you if you experience sensitive teeth.

If it doesn't heal, the doctor will find out the exact cause before determining a more effective way to treat sensitive teeth. If your sensitive teeth are caused by cavities or other gum problems, such as receding gums, the doctor will first address the source of the problem before treating your sensitive teeth. Usually, after the cause is treated, the sensation of sensitive teeth will also disappear.

After that the doctor will perform a desensitization treatment by applying a special gel to the tooth layer to reduce pain due to sensitive teeth. The doctor may also apply fluoride gel, which can strengthen the tooth layer and prevent cavities, to reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity later in life.

Treatment at a doctor usually must be repeated for maximum results. If you go to the doctor carefully to treat it, sensitive teeth can be completely healed. However, this must also be accompanied by proper and correct dental care. If you are still lazy to brush your teeth and still eat foods that cause toothache, sensitive teeth can recur, making your treatment in vain.

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