Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity
One in eight adults experiences sharp pain or discomfort after eating hot, cold, or acidic foods. If you’ve ever eaten a cold treat or sipped a hot beverage and found that you’re experiencing discomfort in your mouth, you’re not alone. We can go over a range of treatments you can try to treat sensitive teeth when you have sensitive teeth.
Certain activities, such as brushing, eating, and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth when you have sensitive teeth.
- Possible causes include:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
The enamel covers the crowns of your teeth, which are above the gum line. The cementum layer protects the root of your teeth, and the dentin lies beneath both layers. There are microscopic tubules in dentin (small hollow tubes) that are less dense than enamel and cementum. The tubules in dentin that lose their protective enamel or cementum allow acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth when they lose their protective coverings. It is also possible for the dentin to become exposed when gums recede, causing hypersensitivity.
Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:
- Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
- Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
- A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
- Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. Ask our team if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity. If you are experiencing pain along with tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment today, and we will be there to help.