Do you experience pain whenever you consume cold or hot drinks and foods? If you do, you could be experiencing tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity. This condition ranges from temporary to chronic. It can also affect all your teeth, several teeth, and even only one tooth.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can occur if you have receding gums or the enamel of your teeth is thin. Enamel is the last outer layer that protects all your teeth. Some people have more enamel than others, which means they have a small amount of sensitivity. People that have less enamel means they will have a larger amount of sensitivity.
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Diagnosed
If you have tooth sensitivity, it’s always best to make an appointment with your dentist. They have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to help you. They will look to see if your teeth are healthy and also look for potential problems. Various things could cause your teeth to become sensitive such as recessed gums, loose fillings, and even cavities
What Are The Main Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity?
Depending on the thickness of your enamel, you could potentially have more severe tooth sensitivity. The thinner your enamel, the more sensitive your teeth will be. Below are the main causes of tooth sensitivity
- You’re using a toothbrush that is too hard for your teeth and gums.
- If your gums have receded, this can leave sections of the tooth unprotected and exposed.
- You grind your teeth while sleeping due to stress and anxiety.
- You’re regularly consuming food and drink with high acidity levels.
- Chipped teeth, broken teeth, decaying teeth, worn down crowns, and fillings all can leave the dentin of your teeth exposed.
- You brush your teeth harder than what’s necessary.
- Illnesses that cause frequent vomiting, such as bulimia and gastroparesis can cause your stomach acid to wear down your enamel.
How To Help Alleviate Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be very painful. You’ll find that most of the time, the pain is at the roots of the affected teeth. If you are experiencing any symptoms of sensitive teeth, such as pain with hot or cold beverages, here are a few remedies you can try to alleviate mild symptoms
- Use toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. These types of toothpaste won’t have irritating ingredients. Some even have desensitizing ingredients that block the discomfort from reaching the nerve.
- Brushing softly, and gently can also help you with sensitivity. Using a softer toothbrush will also help you. Most toothbrushes will be labeled soft, medium, and hard.
- You should choose an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will be less irritating for your sensitive teeth.
If you have more serious symptoms, you’ll need more serious treatment. Your dentist may suggest these ways to help you remedy your sensitivity
- Your dentist will be able to tell you about prescription mouthwash and toothpaste as these will be stronger than normal.
- They might apply a fluoride gel treatment or prescription-grade desensitizing agent in their office.
- Your dentist will tell you about a gum graft if you have receding gums. The dentist will take tissue from your palate and place it over the root that’s exposed.
- They might apply a bonding resin to the exposed root surfaces to help reduce sensitivity.
- In very severe cases, your dentist might recommend a root canal. This procedure treats the tooth’s dental pulp, which is usually the core of the issue.
Tips To Help You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Preventing the problem is always better than having to fix the problem. Here are a few ways that can help you prevent tooth sensitivity
- Wearing a mouthguard can help you to stop grinding and wearing your teeth down to the gum.
- Don’t brush vigorously with a hard toothbrush. Brushing too hard with the wrong toothbrush can pull your gums up, exposing the roots.
- Stay away from teeth whitening procedures, as they can make your teeth quite sensitive.
- Avoid highly acidic or sweet foods and beverages, as these can wear down the enamel. Always wait thirty minutes after consuming any of these, as brushing too early could damage the enamel.
The Best Dentistry In Boynton Beach For You
Our primary goal at Erik’s Dental Group is to help each one of our patients. Whether you need help reducing tooth sensitivity to normal teeth cleaning, we’re happy to help you. If you would like to make an appointment, give us a call at 561-733-4004, or you can visit our website.