Sensitive Teeth? Here Are Some Ways to Conquer It

Do you experience pain when you eat something cold like a popsicle, or drink something hot like hot chocolate? Does brushing your teeth occasionally cause sharp pains that reverberate throughout your mouth? If this is something that happens to you, you may have sensitive teeth.  

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? 

There are many things that can cause you to experience tooth sensitivity. Some of these things include but are not limited to:

• Cavities (Tooth decay)
• Fractured Teeth
• Worn Fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn Tooth Enamel 
• Exposed Tooth Root

When you have healthy teeth, there is a layer of enamel that protects the crowns of your teeth above the gumline. Under the gumline there is a layer called ‘cementum’ which protects the root of your teeth.  Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is ‘dentin.’ Dentin is not as dense as enamel and cementum and contains small hollow tubes or canals called ‘tubules.’ When dentin loses its protective covering, the tubules allow the heat and cold from foods and drinks to reach the nerves inside your teeth. Sometimes you can experience gum recession, which can cause dentin to become exposed. This can also cause sensitivity. 

What Can I Do to Help Tooth Sensitivity?

Luckily, there are treatment options for people who experience tooth sensitivity. That being said, the treatment right for you will depend on what is causing you to have tooth sensitivity. A few options Rochester dental team at White Spruce Dental may recommend include: 

• Desensitizing toothpaste  

This toothpaste contains ingredients that will help stop the transmission of sensations that goes from the surface of the tooth to the nerve. You will normally have to use this toothpaste several times before you notice a difference in tooth sensitivity. 

• Fluoride gel

 This is an option that requires you to go see your dental provider. This option will help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and also reduces the transmission of sensations.

• A Crown/Inlay/Bonding 

One of these three options may fix decay that is causing your tooth sensitivity. 

• Surgical Gum Graft 

If you have lost gum tissue from the root, this procedure will protect the root and reduce tooth sensitivity. 

• Root Canal

If you are experiencing intense sensitivity regularly, and other options you have tried have not helped reduce your tooth sensitivity, your dental provider may suggest this treatment to stop the problem. 

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is the best way to prevent tooth sensitivity and pain altogether. We always recommend good dental hygiene to avoid these types of problems with your teeth. If you have any questions, or are experiencing this issue already, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are accepting new patients and would love to talk with you about what options would be best to help treat your tooth sensitivity. Call White Spruce Dental today!