When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities like brushing your teeth, flossing, or even eating and drinking can result in sharp, temporary pain. Typically, sensitive teeth are the result of exposed tooth roots or worn tooth enamel, both of which can be caused by a myriad of reasons. However, sometimes, in more severe cases, tooth sensitivity can be caused by things like a cavity, cracked tooth, or gum disease.
If you are currently suffering from sensitive teeth, the best thing to do is pay a visit to your dentist. He or she can help identify the root cause of the issue, and rule out underlying causes. Depending on the circumstance and severity of your tooth sensitivity, here are some things your dentist might recommend for tooth sensitivity:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: If you begin to notice your teeth are a bit more sensitive or you are experiencing pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold, one of the first things you can do at home to help is switch over to a desensitizing toothpaste. This product can help block pain from tooth sensitivity and prevent further pain down the line. Your dentist will recommend the best desensitizing toothpaste for you.
- Fluoride: Your dentist may even apply a fluoride treatment to the sensitive areas of your teeth in an effort to help strengthen the enamel and reduce pain.
- Salt water rinse: The salt in the water will help reduce inflammation in your mouth and ease the pain.
In more severe cases, your dentist may also recommend these treatment options:
- Desensitizing or bonding: Occasionally, your dentist might be able to treat exposed root surfaces by applying a bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.
- Gum graft: If your tooth sensitivity is caused by gum erosion, your dentist may elect to take a small amount of gum tissue from another part of your mouth and attach it to the affected area.
- Root canal: A root canal will treat problems in the soft core of your tooth, and is one of the most successful ways to treat tooth sensitivity, however, it is a significant procedure and usually only done if one of the above methods fails or is not an option.
One of the best ways to avoid tooth sensitivity is to visit your dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning! During the exam, your dentist will take note of any areas that cause concern so the issues can be addressed before they lead to other issues down the line, like tooth sensitivity. Ready to book your appointment? Contact us today!
