Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, there’s pain lurking around every corner. Hot cups of coffee, a platter of crudités or even breathing in cold air can be excruciating.  Tooth sensitivity affects many people, so you’re not suffering from it alone. As many as 25% of people may have this problem. Here is everything you need to know about sensitive teeth, including causes and treatments.

Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

A common symptom of sensitive teeth is discomfort when your teeth are exposed to extremes in temperature, such as when drinking very hot or very cold beverages. Very sweet foods or very sticky ones can sometimes also cause symptoms to flare up. Even breathing in cold winter air through your mouth can be enough to cause pain for a person with sensitive teeth. You may also feel pain simply from chewing, or even flossing.  However, since these symptoms could be caused by things other than simple tooth sensitivity, consult with your dentist to confirm the diagnosis and best treatment.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

So why does it happen? Tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures is most often due to an exposed root surface.  What does that mean?

Enamel, the strongest substance in your entire body, provides a protective layer over the exposed parts of your teeth. The tooth root below the gum line is protected by cementum. Beneath the enamel and cementum lies the dentin. Within the dentin are tiny tubules, invisible to the naked eye. If the protective enamel or cementum are breached, these tiny tubules allow heat and cold, plus sticky or acidic foods to irritate the nerves and interior of the tooth. But there are easy ways to treat this common issue.

However, some of the causes of a breach in your enamel include cavities, fractures in your enamel, worn-out fillings, and gum disease. Exposed tooth roots can also play a role. Thus, restorative dental treatment may be necessary so make sure to check with your Sanford dentist.

Treatment of Sensitive Teeth

The good news is, sensitive teeth can be treated.  While waiting for the effects of treatment to kick in, avoid the things that lead to pain. Don’t drink piping hot coffee or tea, avoid ice in your drinks. Remember, preventative oral care is key.

1. Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth

A desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds that help block transmissions of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Not every product is worth the money so look for toothpastes that display the ADA Seal of Recognition, your assurance that products have met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Most people will feel a difference within a week to 10 days.

 

2. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush

Since you want to keep the protective layer of your teeth as strong as possible, it makes sense that you shouldn’t go about cleaning them with the same vigour that you would scrub a dirty pot. A toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended to clean your mouth without damaging teeth or gums. If you have a fancy ultrasonic electric toothbrush, you may want to do a trial without it – the intense vibrations may be too much to handle for some teeth!  Also, talk to your hygienist about which toothbrush is right for you.

 

3. Look for dental products with fluoride

While it may sound like a marketing buzzword, fluoride is the real deal and can be an important part of your dental routine. Fluoride can help remineralize, or strengthen, a tooth surface that has been demineralized by bacterial acids. So upgrade your mouthwash and toothpaste if you’re not already using products that contain fluoride.

 

4. Cut down on acidic food and drinks

Altering your diet, particularly where acidic items are concerned, can keep you from wincing in pain every time you sit down to eat. Acidic food and drink can contribute to tooth erosion and tooth sensitivity. Consume soft drinks, citrus fruit juices and wine in moderation.

 

5. Get a night guard

If you find you often wake up with a dull headache or a sore jaw, you could be spending your hours of slumber slowly ruining your teeth. Grinding teeth for prolonged periods can contribute to tooth sensitivity through tooth wear. But there’s an easy solution to this damaging problem: Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.

 

6. Practice good oral care

There’s nothing new about this one. Brush and floss daily and make regular trips to your dentist. It might seem overly simple, but it’s the absolute best way to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain.

If these strategies don’t do the trick, talk to your dentist about in-office alternatives. These may include the application of a fluoride gel or prescription-strength desensitizers. If these steps fail, your dentist may suggest a filling, a crown, or other method of correcting the defect in your enamel or cementum that is causing your pain.

The Bottom Line

Remember that you’re not alone in this, and your dentist likely has lots of experience in treating this perplexing problem. Check with your dentist to make sure your tooth sensitivity isn’t being caused by something requiring immediate attention, and if not, go ahead and try an over-the-counter solution for a hopefully easy fix. If you don’t get adequate improvement though, head back to your dentist to discuss other options.  If you are in the Sanford area, we at Oakport Dental would be pleased to be of service!