What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

If you have ever felt a sharp pain when eating or drinking cold or hot food and drink, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity, or “dentin hypersensitivity” is treatable, although it can either be temporary or it may be a chronic problem, affecting from one tooth to all teeth in some individuals.

Oceanfront Dental would like to help you with you reduce your tooth sensitivity. We know how much tooth sensitivity can interfere in your daily life. Teeth can become sensitive when their protective outer layer of enamel has worn away, exposing the tooth’s dentin, or when your gums recede, exposing the roots. When this happens, there is nothing covering nerve endings and sharp pain is the result.

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth there are steps that you can take. Among them are:

• Trying a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth, some contain potassium nitrate, which helps block the exposure of nerve endings.
• Change the way you brush. Use a soft-bristled brush and refrain from brushing too vigorously. You may be brushing off valuable layers of protection.
• Stay away from acidic food and drink. Red wine, pop, fruit juices, and foods like oranges and pickles should be avoided. They can attack your enamel. If you still do, try brushing your teeth 20 minutes after consuming them. Enamel loss is irreversible.
• There are painted-on barriers. Ask your dentist about various barriers that can be applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth.
• Take measures to stop grinding your teeth. When you are tense, you may grind your teeth. Jaw pain and headaches could be a sign. A mouth guard or a change of sleeping position could be the answer.
• If you have some gum recession, it could be contributing to your sensitive teeth. Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth. The protective coating of cementum gets worn away exposing sensitive nerves. Your dental care provider may be able to restore your receding gums through a procedure involving tissue grafts.
• Your quest for a whiter smile may have a negative effect on your tooth sensitivity. Although sensitivity from bleaching is typically temporary, you might speak to your dentist about whether you should continue treatment if your teeth become sensitive.
• Certain mouthwashes containing alcohol may be irritating to sensitive teeth. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash. Your dentist can issue you a prescription toothpaste or mouthwash. They may also provide prescription-grade desensitizing agents to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth. Some studies have indicated that silver diamine applications, which indicates that it can serve to harden tooth surfaces, help prevent further decay and protects exposed dentin.

With some or all of these treatments, you may see an improvement in as little as a week’s time.

You may also find other underlying causes of sensitive teeth, like GURD (reflux disease) which can be treated with acid reducers, or Bulimia, which should be treated under a supervising psychiatrist.

Make an appointment with Oceanfront Dental. Get treatment quickly to avoid complications.