Specialized Treatment

Sensitive Teeth

Teeth become sensitive when the outer productive covering called enamel gets worn off, exposing the inner sensitive layer of the crown or the root i.e. dentin.

Tooth enamel may get worn off due to:

• Forceful brushing or wrong brushing techniques.
• Parafunctional habits e.g. – bruxism, clenching etc.
• Other habits like nail biting, biting of objects like hairpin, needles etc., betel nut chewing etc.
• Intake of a large quantity of citrus fruits or drinks
• Chronic vomiting / Acidity.
• Defective restorations may cause off of opposing teeth.
• Decay
• Large fillings

Depending upon the causes and the degree of sensitivity, any of the following treatments may be advised:

• Use of proper brushing techniques. Discarding toothbrushes as soon as the bristles as soon as the bristles get frayed is necessary. Old toothbrushes require greater force for proper brushing resulting in wear of enamel.
• Habit breaking appliances e.g. mouthguard is given
• Replacement of defective restorations
• Crowing or capping of teeth with large fillings or worn off teeth.
• Restoration [Filling] for decayed teeth.
• Root canal treatment (in case of nerve involvement)
• Using desensitizing / fluoridate mouth rinses or booth pastes.

In spite of the above, if bad breath still persists, the problem may be due to some underlying systemic disease. Consult your physician in such situations.