If you have sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment with our general dentist office. We can clean your teeth and remove any bacteria that may be irritating your gums and teeth. Afterwards, we will examine them to determine if any cavities or infection are present. Often, tooth sensitivity comes from having a cavity that makes it painful to bite down or eat your favorite ice cream dessert. Additionally, gum disease can create sensitive teeth because when your gums are infected they will be swollen and sensitive, overall. If they are left untreated, the disease will cause your gums to recede, and part of your tooth and roots will be exposed.
If we identify any oral health issues during your dental exam, we will treat them right away. Gum disease, for example, can be treated with a thorough deep cleaning and if that isn’t enough we can perform a gum graft to cover the exposed portion of the tooth and roots. Likewise, a cavity can be treated, and if necessary we will perform a root canal to remove the infected area of the tooth and the infected root. Afterwards, a dental crown will be used to protect the tooth.
When no infection is present, tooth sensitivity is typically caused by the loss of enamel. This is something that can be treated in our general dentist office and at home. When your teeth lose enamel, it can be painful because the enamel is what protects the actual tooth structure that is made of dentin. Dentin is a porous material and the holes inside of it lead directly to the roots of your tooth. That is why when the enamel wears away doing something as simple as drinking iced tea can lead to shooting pain.
Here are tips for reducing your tooth sensitivity:
- Brush with a soft toothbrush. Switch out your hard toothbrush for a soft one. If you can buy an electronic toothbrush – do so. This is the best way to get a good clean without needing to brush your teeth aggressively.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. It typically takes several applications to notice a difference but this type of toothpaste will block the sensation of pain from traveling through your tooth and to your nerves.
- Fluoride treatments. You can get a fluoride treatment at our general dentistry office, and this will help to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is a mineral and by placing it directly onto your teeth they will be strengthened. This does not directly replace your enamel but provides good protection.
- Bonding. If teeth are especially sensitive, having a bonding procedure completed may be a good option. This is where a tooth colored material is applied to the surface of your teeth in order to seal and protect the dentin.
- Crowns. Dental crowns are a cap that surrounds the tooth so if your sensitivity is not going away, you may want to consider wearing crowns. This way nothing directly touches your tooth. Instead, food, water, and air will touch the crown.
To learn more about how you can protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity, visit our general dentistry office.
