Teeth sensitivity is very common problem among people between 20 and 40 years of age. Interestingly, women are more susceptible than men to sensitive teeth, because Women’s hormones, the American Dental Association said, are more susceptible to increased bloodflow to the gums. The degree of pain differs. Sometimes, people with delicate dents feel slight pain, while they consume ice cream, for example. And for some, it is a continuous experience of pain from any sweet, cold or hot taste.
The causes of sensitive teeth often differ. “Sensitive teeth are usually the product of worn tooth enamel [and] gum recession,” says Dr Uche Isikwei of Pure Snow Dental Clinic in Abuja. “Other causes, such as a cavity, a broken or chipped tooth, a worn lining, or gum disease, may also exacerbate tooth discomfort.” This is why, according to Dr Isikwei, comprehensive and routine dental checkups are important for healthy oral health.
Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the symptoms of tooth sensitivity, both at the dentist’s office and at home. One such way is to pay attention to the type of toothpaste you’re using, since some are better than others for those with sensitive teeth. Two specific ingredients to look for are potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride. “Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate soothe the nerves between the teeth, stopping them from transmitting pain messages in response to stimuli such as a blast of cool air or hot coffee,” explains Dr Isikwei. “Toothpastes containing stannous fluoride act as a barrier to secure the exposed delicate, inner portion of the tooth known as dentin,” he says. According to Dr Isikwei, this “armor” serves to prevent pain-inducing agents, such as cold soda, from reaching the nerves between the teeth and causing pain.
Choose Toothpaste with Desensitizing Agents
Desensitizing toothpaste contains agents that make dentin less permeable. Dentin is a hard, porous tissue that lies beneath the layer of enamel in all teeth.
When dentin is less permeable, this means that it is more difficult for liquid to pass through it. Reducing the permeability protects the nerve underneath, which helps decrease tooth sensitivity and pain.
Desensitizing dental agents include:
- Metal ions
- Potassium nitrate
- Stannous Flouride, and
- Oxalates
Therefore, the next time you go grocery shopping, keep an eye out for these ingredients on toothpaste packets. It should be noted that the toothpaste remedy is ONLY a mitigation measure; for better care, a visit to the dentist is the best bet.