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Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Sensitivity
Cherrywood Dental • May 29, 2019
Many people notice that their teeth are extra-sensitive to certain foods or temperatures (like hot foods or cold foods). Some people experience sensitivity so great that it can verge on painful. The question that many people have is why they experience this sensitivity in their teeth and what can get done about it. In this post, we will discuss what can help improve your teeth’s sensitivity to certain foods.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are several different reasons that your teeth can become very sensitive to certain foods. The most common causes of tooth sensitivity include the following:
- worn/fractured/broken teeth
- old/worn/loose fillings
- periodontal disease
- eroded tooth enamel
- worn down teeth
- received gumlines/exposed teeth roots
- the dental pulp that got infected
These reasons for sensitive teeth are all treatable, and your dentist can help you get rid of the tooth sensitivity that is bothering you while helping improve your oral health at the same time.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
Preventing tooth sensitivity can take on many forms. Some of the most common treatments for sensitive teeth can include the following:
- Choose a toothpaste with a makeup that is made for sensitive teeth to help reduce your teeth’s sensitivity.
- Use fluoride to help strengthen your teeth and restore your teeth’s natural enamel which can help limit dentin exposure.
- If your gums are receding, getting a gum graft can help keep the roots of your teeth which are usually very sensitive better protected.
- If you have cavities, then getting a root canal and a new filling (or replacing old ones) can help ensure that the infection is removed from your tooth and takes the sensitivity away.
- These treatments can often help your teeth become less sensitive and make eating and drinking less uncomfortable and more pleasant again.
Home Care
Several home remedies can help with tooth sensitivity. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can provide relief for many people. Ensuring you drink water treated with fluoride in it or bottled water treated with fluoride can also help. Another option to get your fluoride in would include mouth rinses or gels treated with fluoride.
Avoiding liquids and foods that are extremely hot or cold can also help with tooth sensitivity until you can get other treatment provided for your sensitive teeth.
Professional Care
Many people who have tooth sensitivity seek dental care to help make their teeth less sensitive. The treatments that are currently available include plastic resins to help limit the tooth’s exposure to extreme temperatures of hot or cold. Veneers or luminaires can also provide a “barrier” between hot and cold foods and your sensitive teeth. Laser treatments can become another option for many patients.
Conclusions
At Cherrywood Dental Associates, we are committed to providing patients with the best care possible. Please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss possible treatment options for your sensitive teeth.
We look forward to working with you and providing you with the quality dental services that you deserve.