How to Manage Sensitive Teeth
Have you ever been out on a scorching hot day and decided to splurge on a delicious ice cream cone? Only you feel a sudden sharp pain every time you bite or get a mouthful of ice cream? That’s called tooth sensitivity, and it affects roughly one in eight Americans.
This common problem can happen for a few reasons. Depending on the cause, you may need dental treatment, or you may be able to use a simple at-home tooth pain remedy or dental product to ease symptoms.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth happen when the hard outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears down and exposes the inner layer called dentin. It may also occur if your gums recede or the outer layer beneath your gums breaks down and exposes the dentin or root surface.
Inside the dentin are tiny tubules or small hollow canals. As dentin becomes exposed, these tubules allow hot, cold, acidic, sweet, and sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside, causing heightened sensations. This leads to tooth sensitivity.
Some people also naturally have more sensitive teeth. You might notice you have sharp pain or discomfort when you brush or floss or eat or drink certain foods.
Managing Sensitive Teeth
The first step to finding the right tooth sensitivity solutions is to visit your dentist for a checkup. They’ll examine your teeth to find the root cause of your sensitivity and may also recommend one or a few of the following treatments.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Desensitizing toothpastes have compounds that seal the tubules and block sensations to the nerves, lowering sensitivity and pain. There are several ingredients that do the trick, so you may need to try different products to find one that works best for you. It can also take a few uses before you notice a difference.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel, which can help rebuild the outer layer of your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste daily, but you may also benefit from fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office. These may include gel trays or a varnish. Fluoride home rinses may also be helpful.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating painted over your teeth to protect your enamel from acidic foods or bacteria that break down enamel. It helps seal your teeth and keep food debris off, slowing down decay and cavities that can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Filling, Crown, or Root Canal
Tooth decay or cavities slowly eat away at the enamel and healthy parts of your teeth, which raises your chances of tooth sensitivity and pain. In some cases, a filling or crown may be necessary to fix the decay. In severe cases, the decay may reach deeper inside your tooth to the nerve and root, in which case you may need root canal therapy to clean out the damaged nerves and ease the sensitivity.
Change Your Habits
Some habits may break down your enamel faster and raise your risk of sensitivity. Changing these habits may help protect your teeth. Try to:
- Avoid abrasive toothpastes that break down enamel, like products with baking soda
- Don’t brush too hard
- Avoid acidic foods, like carbonated drinks or sodas, citrus fruits, energy drinks, sweeteners, and sugary foods
- Use fluoride dental care products
- Maintain regular brushing and flossing
- Stop smoking
- Avoid chewing ice
In addition, see your dentist for dental problems that may worsen sensitivity, such as teeth grinding or clenching, cracked or broken teeth, worn fillings, or bleeding and sensitive gums. Regular exams and cleanings can help find problems early on before they cause severe or intense tooth pain or disease.
See Your Dentist in Mentor Ohio for Innovative Dental Care
The first step in protecting your enamel and managing your overall tooth health is to see your dentist for an exam. Our team at Great Lakes Dental specializes in total smile care using advanced technology, whether you need a filling, a cleaning, a dental sealant, or more advanced care. Book an appointment today to learn how we can help ease your symptoms and restore your oral health.