Are your teeth hurt by a single bite of ice cream or a sip of cold and hot water? If yes, you might be suffering from teeth sensitivity and need immediate dental care to get rid of your suffering and enjoy the true colours of life.

Our teeth have a protective layer called “Enamel” that gives the translucent-whitish hue and prevents sensitivity and pain by protecting the tooth against different thermal, chemical and mechanical irritations. With time, enamel thins, and the inner layers of the teeth get exposed to cold, heat, and sweets. There are several myths about tooth sensitivity that prevent patients from seeking treatment and finding a solution. Let’s debunk a few myths and shed light on the facts.

Myth 1: It’s common to feel pain with cold or sweet food

One of the common misconceptions about teeth sensitivity is that you should not be worried if you experience pain or discomfort by eating cold, hot or sweet food. However, the facts are different. Healthy teeth don’t feel any pain by eating cold, sweet food or drinking any cold beverage. If your teeth are hurt by cold morning air or eating hot and cold food you have to book your dental appointment for the evaluation and treatment of your sensitive teeth.

Myth 2: Brushing more can reduce the sensitivity

It’s a myth that more brushing will make the sensitivity go away. However, the evidence does not support the claim that brushing helps to reduce sensitivity. The aggressive brushing with a hard bristle brush is one of the most common causes of tooth-neck sensitivity. The dentist advises brushing in a controlled manner not more than twice a day. On the other hand, regular brushing with special anti-sensitivity prescription strength tooth paste can significant reduce the sensitivity problem. 

Myth 3: There is no cure for tooth sensitivity.

The idea that there is no treatment for sensitive teeth is a myth. There are several dental treatments that can successfully reduce sensitivity. You only have to visit the expert dentist and follow the treatment instruction. Depending on the cause of the teeth sensitivity; treatment can range from simple chair teeth polishing and application of Topical Fluoride gel / varnish to the effected site to possible root canal and full crown restoration. 

The teeth sensitivity treatment:

• Fluoride Application:

Topical fluoride application reduces the enamel permeability by re-mineralizing the tooth enamel and increasing its hardness. Application of dntal fluoride gel/varnishes are the clinical procedure for topical application of fluoride on sensitive teeth. Fluoride mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste can also help to reduce sensitivity

• Dental Sealant Treatments

Dental sealants serve multiple functions. They lower the carious index, reduce tooth sensitivity, and conceal minor dental flaws. Sealants build a thin layer on the tooth surface that helps to reduce tooth permeability.

• De-Sensitizing Toothpaste

Toothpaste with the active ingredients of stannous fluoride, Potassium nitrate and Strontium chloride reduces teeth sensitivity. It’s the most cost-effective treatment option, but the results might be delayed or lower than other dental approaches. 

• Direct Dental Bonding Treatment

Exposed roots by increasing age, gum recession and faulty brushing are one of the major causes of tooth sensitivity. Dental bonding covers the exposed root surfaces with tooth-colored resin material. The material esthetically builds a layer on the exposed tooth and significantly reduce the tooth sensitivity by isolating the inner layers of the tooth structure from the external environment.

• Full Coverage Crown restoration Treatment

In aggressive cases of tooth sensitivity when all other treatments fail to resolve the problem, more comprehensive treatment might be needed to treat the tooth and control the symptoms. In this context, the tooth history, signs and symptoms of the affected tooth / teeth would play a major role in determining the route that the dentist will choose. In general its always recommended to start with least aggressive treatment and evaluate the condition very frequently. The full coverage crown ( and may be root canal treatment) should be the last resort and not the first choice.  

Teeth sensitivity treatment alleviates pain and improves the quality of life. You can enjoy your food without any fear of discomfort or pain. Keep away with the myths and get your appointment for the perfect and professional teeth sensitivity treatment.

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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical or dental advice/conditions.