Fix Tooth Sensitivity
Causes and Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity
Routine appointments with your dentist are just as important as your doctor appointments. Dentist appointments are particularly important if you start to experience tooth pain or discomfort after consuming cold food and beverages. The Academy of General Dentistry reports that nearly 40 million people in the United States experience some type of tooth sensitivity.
For people with sensitive teeth, some daily activities like brushing your teeth, eating and drinking, can result in sharp pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically caused by worn tooth enamel or can occur when the tooth’s root is exposed. In some cases, however, the tooth pain can be caused by other issues such as cavities, a chipped or cracked tooth, a filling which is loose or worn, or gum disease.
If you experience tooth sensitivity, follow up with your dentist right away. The dentist can help to identify what is causing the tooth pain and determine if there are any underlying causes. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend some of the following treatment options:
- Sensitive Toothpaste:After a few uses, desensitizing toothpaste can help to block pain which is commonly associated with sensitive teeth. There are numerous products which are available over-the-counter. Your dentist can recommend which product may work best.
- Fluoride:Your dentist can also apply a fluoride treatment to the sensitive areas of your teeth. The fluoride works by strengthening the tooth’s enamel and reducing your pain. The dentist may also suggest that you use a prescription fluoride at home, which is applied using a customized tray.
- Desensitizing or Bonding:In some cases, root surfaces which are exposed can be treated through the application of a bonding resin placed on the sensitive root surfaces. The dentist may need to use a local anesthetic for the procedure.
- Surgical Gum Graft:If you have lost gum tissue on the root of your tooth, a small amount of gum tissue can be removed from another location in your mouth and attached to the impacted area. This method works by protecting the exposed roots and reducing the overall sensitivity.
- Root Canal:If your tooth sensitivity causes extreme pain and other treatment options are not effective, your dentist may suggest a root canal. This procedure is used to treat problems in the dental pulp of the tooth. While this treatment may seem unnecessary, it is considered to be one of the most successful techniques used to eliminate tooth sensitivity.
In order to prevent recurring sensitive teeth, brush your teeth twice each day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, use a fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day. It is also important to use gentle strokes, and avoid vigorous scrubbing. Abrasive toothpastes should also be avoided. If you grind your teeth during your sleep, follow up with your dentist regarding a mouth guard. Grinding of the teeth can cause fractures and result in sensitivity.
You may also consider using caution when consuming highly acidic food and drinks. This can include things such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruit and wine. Over time, these things remove small amounts of the tooth’s enamel. When you consuming liquids which are acidic, use a straw to minimize the contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking a highly acidic substance, consume water to help balance the acid levels in your mouth.
There are also numerous at-home remedies which can be used to treat oral pain and improve teeth sensitivity. However, most dentist encourage their patients use professional solutions. At-home remedies may temporarily alleviate the pain, but may fail to cure the actual source of the discomfort.
Be sure to discuss any issues or tooth sensitivity with your dentist to ensure the issue is treated as soon as possible.
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