Tired of eating or drinking something, just to have it make your teeth hurt? Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold can cause discomfort for some people, but Uptown Dental can help you take care of your teeth and find the best treatments for tooth sensitivity.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons, but the most common are related to enamel erosion and gum recession. Very sensitive people may also have increased tooth sensitivity following the intake of acidic or carbonated items. Here are a few causes of tooth sensitivity:
- Enamel erosion
- Gum recession
- Cracked tooth
- Gum disease
- Plaque buildup
- Recent dental procedures
Avoiding acidic and carbonated foods and beverages can help, and getting a mouth guard to avoid clenching and grinding can also prevent sensitivity and cracked teeth.
At-Home Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, you may be able to find relief through at-home treatments. Those options include brushing with sensitive formula toothpaste and a soft toothbrush as well as rinsing your mouth with a gentle mouthwash, water, or saltwater. Daily flossing and oral healthcare are also important for people with sensitive teeth, as it helps prevent plaque buildup between teeth.
If you can’t brush your teeth after an acidic meal or beverage, it may help to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating or drinking. Look for mouthwash that is created for “sensitive teeth” or “enamel repair,” as that will be gentle and help restore enamel. Saltwater is another basic option that balances the pH levels in your mouth, which protects your teeth from an acidic environment.
Best Treatments for Sensitive Teeth in the Office
It is important to identify the cause of sensitive teeth, as a toothache from a cracked tooth requires a different treatment protocol than general tooth sensitivity. Seeing your dentist about tooth sensitivity is the best first step. He can perform a gum disease evaluation and look for reasons for the sensitivity. Track your tooth sensitivity symptoms and note if they are sensitive to hot or cold air, foods, or liquids. Note any foods or drinks that seem to trigger extra sensitivity, and eat nutritious foods to enhance oral health.
Uptown Dental provides treatments for sensitive teeth, including fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding. Fluoride treatments help restore the enamel and strengthen it against erosion. The fluoride liquid is brushed on and allowed to penetrate the teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and can provide relief from general tooth sensitivity.
Dental sealants may be another option for protecting teeth from decay and acids. Dental sealants are often applied to children’s molars to help prevent the formation of cavities. When applied to an exposed root surface, dental sealant can prevent sensitivity by protecting the root from exposure to hot and cold.
If gum recession is the cause of tooth sensitivity, a gum graft may be an option. An oral surgeon can take a small amount of tissue from another place in the mouth and attach it to the gum where roots are exposed.
Sensitive teeth don’t have to cause you pain all the time. By actively treating sensitive teeth, you can eat without discomfort and help your teeth become more resilient. And with proper tooth care and regular dental visits, you can avoid gum disease and enamel erosion which is often the cause of tooth sensitivity. Make your appointment today.