Do you pass on hot tea or cold beer because of the painful sensation in your teeth? Does flossing or brushing make you wince? You probably suffer from sensitive teeth. This article will discuss possible causes, prevention, and treatment.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Common causes of sensitive teeth include cavities, broken or fractured teeth, worn enamel, worn fillings, gum disease, or an exposed tooth root. Tooth sensitivity can signal gum shrinkage, which is a natural process that begins when you’re over 40 years of age. The gum line recedes and uncovers your tooth roots. Enamel does not protect roots, and they’re very sensitive as a result.
Gum Disease
If it looks like your gums are receding, talk to your dentist. You might be suffering from gum disease and need a graft if the problem is serious. We have gum disease when tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth make the gums recede. The condition wreaks havoc on the bony tooth support.
A Cracked Filling or Tooth
When you crack a tooth or filling, the crack can reach the root. Then, you feel pain when you digest something hot or cold. If the crack is small, the dentist can fill it. On the other hand, he will need to pull your tooth if the crack reaches down below the gum line.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
If you are bleaching, that might be causing tooth pain. Although sensitivity from bleaching is not permanent, you should discuss the effects of treatment with your dentist. Ask them if it’s a good idea to continue with it. Of course, bleaching is not the only possible cause.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Avoid highly acidic foods like high-sugar sweets and sweet drinks like soda. Dairy products and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will not exacerbate your tooth pain. They will also help fight bacteria and acid that can inflict damage upon the teeth.
You can chew sugar-free gum or drink green tea. Black tea does not increase sensitivity, but it will stain your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks are unavoidable to some extent; just don’t rush to brush your teeth right after you consume them. Wait at least 45 minutes.
Brushing Too Hard
If you’re brushing too hard, plaque might not be all you’re removing. If you brush side-to-side at the gum line, the enamel will deteriorate at a quicker rate than normal. Brush at a 45-degree angle using a soft brush to keep enamel strong and clean.
Clenching Your Teeth
This is something many of us are guilty of. Excessive teeth grinding can destroy enamel. To remedy this issue, get your dentist to fit a mouth guard or splint.
Treating Sensitive Teeth
It is possible to treat sensitive teeth. The type of treatment will depend on the cause. Your dentist might recommend fluoride gel, desensitizing toothpaste, bonding, an inlay, or a crown. For more severe cases, they might suggest a root canal or gum graft, as mentioned earlier.
If desensitizing toothpaste is recommended, you will need to use it consistently to reduce sensitivity. It’s compounds minimize the sensation between the nerve and tooth surface. Fluoride gel also reduces the reception of sensation and strengthens tooth enamel.
Your dentist can apply an inlay, crown, or bonding to remedy a flaw or decay that is causing tooth sensitivity.
If sensitivity is persistent and severe and nothing else has worked, your dentist may recommend a root canal. A surgical gum graft will reduce sensitivity and protect the root if you’ve lost gum tissue there.
Final Thoughts
The key to preventing pain from sensitive teeth is proper oral hygiene. If you have any questions about tooth sensitivity or oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices in Crest Hill, Frankfort, Lockport, or Shorewood to make an appointment.