Tooth sensitivity, or the sudden tingling sensation you get when you touch hot or cold, is often not a problem, but a sign of underlying oral disease. It’s more common and more complex than you might think.
“Tooth sensitivity is not a disease in itself, but a symptom,” Dr. Ashwin D, a pediatric dentist in Kasaragod, told South First.
It can be caused by deep tooth decay, gum infection, or even damage to the surface of the teeth from improper brushing, chewing toothpaste for a long time, frequent consumption of acidic drinks, etc.”
Dr. Ashwin said treatment depends on the specific cause. “We may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste, changing to a soft-bristled toothbrush, treating cavities, or managing gum problems with dental cleanings.
If a patient grinds their teeth at night, which can cause sensitivity and temporomandibular joint pain, we usually recommend wearing a night guard.”
At Chaya Dental Clinic in Bangalore, Dr. Mohan R also reminds patients with sensitive teeth to minimize acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, vinegar and wine.
The acids in these foods can eat away at tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity. He recommends rinsing your mouth with water after each meal and waiting at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth.
“Acidic foods temporarily soften tooth enamel, and brushing immediately can accelerate wear,” he said.
Home remedies: relief or harm?
Traditional home care methods, such as brushing with raw salt or charcoal, are still widely used in some areas, but these practices often do more harm than good.
Dr. Ashwin points out that such substances are highly abrasive to teeth and can seriously damage tooth enamel with long-term use.
However, some natural herbal remedies may be beneficial for gums, such as chewing natural plants such as mango leaves, cashew leaves, neem branches or sugar cane, which are still considered traditional ways to maintain oral health in parts of India.
Another common home remedy is to place cloves or garlic around sensitive teeth. “These natural materials have a mild anesthetic effect and can relieve pain in the short term.”
Dr. Ashwin added that although mild sensitivity can be treated at home, persistent pain is often a precursor to more serious problems and should not be ignored. ”
The sooner the root cause of tooth sensitivity is treated, the better. What may seem like an occasional tingling sensation may also be the starting point of an underlying disease,” he said.
To prevent tooth sensitivity, you need to do the following:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Maintain a gentle and correct brushing posture
Use professional desensitizing toothpaste
Avoid frequent intake of acidic foods and drinks
Wait 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods before brushing your teeth
Check and treat oral problems regularly
Use fluoride mouthwash or fluoride gel to strengthen tooth enamel
People with the habit of grinding their teeth should wear a mouth guard
Avoid using folk remedies that are too abrasive
Tooth sensitivity should not be ignored. It not only affects daily diet and quality of life, but may also mask serious dental problems.
If your teeth often feel uncomfortable due to hot and cold, sour and sweet stimulation, perhaps now is the best time for you to make an appointment for a dental check-up.