Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your mouth when sipping a hot drink or biting into a cold morsel?
Teeth sensitivity is a common form of pain and discomfort, indicating that there may be a bigger issue at the root of the problem. Whether it affects a single tooth or several teeth, teeth sensitivity is a typical response to certain stimuli such as extreme temperatures.
If you experience teeth sensitivity, then it’s worth seeking professional dental advice and determining the best treatment option.
Symptoms And Causes Of Teeth Sensitivity
Does the uncomfortable sensation prompted by a spoon of hot soup inspire you to find answers? You’re not alone! At least 40 million adults suffer from sensitive teeth.
Getting to the bottom of teeth sensitivity is important to alleviate the pain and make sure that your oral health is in tip-top shape.
Symptoms
There are a few triggers that could cause teeth sensitivity and subsequent discomfort and pain. For example:
- Hot or cold food and drink
- Cold air
- Sweet food and drink
- Acidic food and drink
- Brushing or flossing teeth
- Alcohol-based mouth rinses
Causes
Some patients are naturally prone to teeth sensitivity and experience mild discomfort on a regular basis, even though there isn’t a serious issue at hand. In most instances, teeth sensitivity is caused by a more significant issue.
Various causes of teeth sensitivity include the following:
- Grinding teeth at night
- Brushing teeth too hard
- Consuming too much sugar or acidic food and drink
- Shrinking gyms
- Gum disease
- Cracked tooth or filling
- Dental cavity
Treatment For Teeth Sensitivity
There are several ways to treat teeth sensitivity, ranging from small adjustments to more serious methods.
Dental Hygiene Adjustments
Adjusting your dental habits can help to reduce teeth sensitivity. If the sensitivity is mild, then you can begin with these changes.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use desensitized toothpaste
- Replace acidic food and drinks, such as soda and candy, with fiber-rich foods and unsweetened dairy
- Make a conscientious effort to unclench your teeth
- Take a break from bleaching your teeth
While experiencing teeth sensitivity, it may be tempting to avoid dental care because of pain. Keep in mind that ignoring your teeth can worsen the situation. If the pain persists, then it’s best to visit a professional who can offer more effective treatment.
Bonding Teeth
An exposed root can lead to tooth sensitivity. Applying bonding resin to sensitive root surfaces is one of the practical ways to reduce sensitivity. The process can be done by visiting a professional who can apply a local anesthetic for the process if needed.
Dental fillings are another effective way to cover exposed roots.
Surgical Gum Graft
Gum tissue has the important task of protecting the root of a tooth. When the root is exposed, it can induce sensitivity. As gum tissue doesn’t grow back, it needs to be replaced another way.
A surgical gum graft is one of the ways to protect exposed roots. The process involves moving small amounts of gum tissue from elsewhere and attaching it to an area where it is most needed.
Root Canal
In more severe cases, the dentist may recommend a root canal. The procedure gets to the core of the problem by treating the tooth’s dental pulp. Although it may appear to be a serious treatment option, it is one of the most effective ones.
Dental Experts That You Can Trust
At Eriks Dental Group, we offer a variety of dental services that do not treat tooth sensitivity, but also help patients smile with confidence. Contact our friendly team at 561-733-4004 to find out more or book a dentist appointment online.