Sensitive teeth

When your favorite food affects the sensitivity of your teeth. One sip or one bite is enough to “ignite” the nerve of the tooth and make you flee the kitchen.

Tooth sensitivity is discomfort in one or more teeth caused by hot, cold, sweet, sour foods and drinks, or even cold air. The pain can be sudden, sharp, and deep into the nerve.

What are the reasons for having sensitive teeth?

• When one of the layers that make up the tooth—the enamel—remains “exposed,” without protection, as a result of the exposure of the tooth-supporting apparatus (recession of the gums)
• The root, which is not protected by enamel, contains thousands of tiny channels leading to the center of the tooth—the pulp. When you eat or drink, you stimulate the channels that reach the tooth’s nerve, resulting in pain.
• Rough cleaning with a brush with stiff bristles. This may also be a reason for the receding of the gum line from the teeth.
• “Decay” of the tooth around the gum line
• Receding gums due to some kind of disease
• Consuming too many acidic foods (citrus fruits, tea, or tomatoes)
• Prolonged chewing with some chewing gums
• Even the wrong choice of toothpaste

The ways to overcome this problem are:

• Choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth with fluoride, which builds up the surface layer of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes or those with tartar control are not suitable.
• Pay attention to the toothbrush—it should be SOFT.
• Avoid certain foods such as sugar and starch, or brush your teeth regularly after consuming them.
• Drink fluoridated water or rinse with it
• And, of course, good hygiene, regular brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.