Teeth ache when brushing teeth or when consuming certain foods and drinks is an inconvenience that is often experienced by people with sensitive teeth. Toothache problems due to sensitive teeth have various causes. However, there are also preventative steps you can take to deal with it.
Pain in the teeth due to sensitive teeth generally occurs due to the erosion of the protective layer of teeth (tooth enamel). The erosion of tooth enamel causes a layer of tooth called dentin to be exposed to the outside of the tooth.
When dentin, which is rich in nerve fibers, is exposed to various stimuli, such as cold, hot, acidic food and drinks, or certain other activities that involve the teeth, the nerve fibers in the teeth are stimulated, resulting in toothache.
In some cases, the dentin can also be exposed due to shrinkage or gum disease which then causes toothache and pain.
Causes of toothache and prevention steps
By recognizing the cause, you can take steps to prevent the pain from getting worse or recurring. Here are some of the causes of toothache:
- Mistakes when brushing teeth
To fix this, try switching to a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing your teeth carefully, gently, and slowly.
- Excessive use of mouthwashThe content of alcohol and other chemicals in mouthwash or mouthwash can make your teeth more sensitive, especially if the dentin is exposed. Limit or avoid the use of mouthwash and be more diligent in brushing and rinsing thoroughly, then use dental floss to clean teeth from food debris that is difficult for a toothbrush to reach.
- Food and drink consumedConsuming foods and drinks that are sour, fizzy, sweet, and candies that stick to the teeth can stimulate the nerves in sensitive teeth. So, limit and avoid these various foods and drinks. If you have already consumed it, wait about an hour to brush your teeth. It is recommended to consume fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, cheese, milk, green or black tea, and plain yogurt. This intake can moisturize the mouth, as well as fight acids and bacteria that can eat away at the lining of the teeth.
- Habit of grinding teeth
Another way that can be done to protect your teeth from this habit is to use a mouth guard, or perform dental treatments to change the position of the teeth and relax the jaw and mouth muscles.
- Teeth whitening or bleachBleaching or teeth whitening triggers toothache or sensitive teeth. To relieve toothache, it is recommended to use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If you need certain treatment, you are advised to consult a dentist.
- Excessive plaque buildupExcessive plaque buildup can cause the enamel layer to be lost and make teeth more sensitive. To prevent this, do daily dental care, such as diligently brushing your teeth and using dental floss to clean food debris. Do not forget to clean tartar to the dentist at least every 6 months or whenever necessary.
- Factors medical conditions that cause toothache
This situation needs to be treated by a dentist. Treatment using fluoride, dental filling procedures to cover the roots, sealant teeth, and in serious cases root canal treatment and a gum graft may be recommended.
Special Toothpaste for Toothache Problems
To deal with sensitive teeth getting worse and recurring, doctors often recommend using a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
In contrast to ordinary toothpaste, special toothpaste for sensitive teeth generally contains various ingredients that are useful for reducing sensitivity in teeth, such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. This material plays an important role in protecting the nerves in the teeth, as well as helping to reduce pain in sensitive teeth.
Aluminum lactate and isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) are also ingredients used in special toothpaste products for sensitive teeth. Aluminum lactate plays a role in forming a long-lasting protection on sensitive teeth.
Meanwhile, isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) is known as a chemical compound that is widely used in the treatment, prevention, and improvement of medical conditions such as gingivitis. This compound is also an antiseptic that kills bad bacteria on the teeth and gums.
To get maximum results, it is recommended to use this toothpaste regularly for at least 4 weeks. Owners of sensitive teeth who want to use mouthwash, it is recommended to choose a product that is free of alcohol content. And if your toothache doesn't improve or it gets worse, you are advised to immediately consult a dentist.
