“OUCH!! I have sensitive teeth!!” (Is this a common phrase??)
When sensitive teeth get in the way of your favorite hot cup of tea or sweet ice cream treat, it’s time to take notice and contact your dentist. Typically, sensitive teeth result from worn-down enamel in the teeth, cavities, a cracked tooth, worn fillings, exposed tooth roots, or even gum disease. Therefore, sensitivity may be a precursor to a more serious dental issue, and your dentist can look at your mouth to help determine the cause.
Here are the top ten causes of sensitive teeth.
However, depending on the circumstances and recommendations from your dentist, there are multiple options and treatments for decreasing tooth sensitivity.
Learn more about sensitive teeth and solutions: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity
- Desensitizing toothpaste: There are many over-the-counter sensitive toothpastes that can help lower the pain and level of sensitivity in your teeth.
- Fluoride: Your dentist can apply fluoride in office to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth and reduce pain.
- A crown, bonding, or inlay: Exposed root surfaces or cavities may need to be treated and bonded by your dentist to fix the problem and eliminate your sensitivity altogether.
- Gum graft: If you’ve lost any gum tissue from the root of your tooth, a gum graft can be performed to attach gum tissue to your affected area. This will reduce your sensitivity and protect the roots from further damage or pain.
- Root canal: Usually, a root canal is only needed when other options do not decrease sensitivity and your tooth is in severe pain. However, once the root canal is performed, all pain should cease quickly.
How You Can Help Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
According to WebMD, taking care of your teeth’s enamel is essential in fighting sensitivity. The enamel is the hard, protective outer layer on all of your teeth and forms a great defense against plaque and bacteria. Once that enamel is worn down, nerve endings can become exposed. This leads to sensitive teeth and pain.
More on WebMD’s tips: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-sensitivity#1
While brushing twice a day is of great importance, if you’re experiencing some sensitivity, try brushing with a lighter hand. Brushing with force may be causing you to wear away at your enamel at a quicker rate. Soft-bristled brushes can also help eliminate rough brushing, so you won’t cry out, “I have sensitive teeth!”
Along with brushing lighter, avoiding snacks and drinks with high acidity will also greatly reduce your enamel wear and tear. Sugar, soda, and coffee contain high acidity contents, as opposed to items such as yogurt, vegetables, or cheese.
At GPS Dental, we’d love to help you eliminate your tooth sensitivity and help you find a permanent solution to your pain or discomfort. By eliminating highly acidic foods, trying our recommended treatments, and brushing with a lighter hand, your sensitivity will be running out the door and the ice cream treat will be on its way back into your freezer.
Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.
