Do you ever feel pain or discomfort after eating soup or ice cream? If so, then there’s a good chance that your teeth are sensitive. Tooth sensitivity can come from various causes such as food items being too hot or cold for the mouth to handle comfortably – this results in toothaches!
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Some individuals naturally have more sensitive teeth than others because of having thinner tooth enamel – the outer layer of the tooth that protects it. In most cases, the tooth’s enamel wears out from:
- Brushing your teeth too hard. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line hastily wears out your enamel.
- Utilizing a hard toothbrush.
- Regularly drinking or eating beverages and acidic foods like lemons, kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit.
- Tooth grinding at night due to headaches, stiff jaws, face pain.
- Teeth whitening toothpaste which produces chemicals that affect the tooth roots.
Sometimes, other conditions like gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can cause sensitivity. It can cause acid to come up from the stomach and esophagus and wear down teeth over time. Conditions that result in recurrent vomiting’s like bulimia and gastroparesis can also cause acid to weaken the enamel.
Other causes of sensitive teeth include gum disease, tooth decay, or dry mouth.
- Gum disease or recession can leave tooth sections exposed and unprotected, thus causing sensitivity. An example is a gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums, often caused by a bacterial infection. It can injure your teeth’ bony support and soft tissue. If not treated early, it can result in a more severe infection called periodontitis. According to ADA (American Dental Association), these gum diseases are the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.
- A cracked tooth, tooth decay, chipped teeth, worn-out crowns, or broken teeth can result in exposed dentin, thus leading to tooth sensitivity. If so, you will probably only feel sensitivity in one specific tooth or sensitive areas in the mouth rather than most teeth.
Your teeth may be temporarily sensitive following dental work, including teeth bleaching, crowns, or getting fillings. In this scenario, the sensitivity will be confined to the tooth that received dental work or the teeth surrounding it. This should recede after several days.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you are experiencing sensitive teeth for the first time, schedule an appointment with our esteemed Chalet Dental Care. Our dental care experts can look at the health of your teeth and check for potential issues such as loose fillings, recessed gums, or cavities that could result in insensitivity.
Our dentist can do this during your routine dental cleaning. We will clean your teeth and conduct a visual exam. We may touch your affected teeth using dental instruments to check for sensitivity and order an X-ray on your teeth to dismiss causes such as cavities.
Treating Teeth Sensitivity at Home
Over-the-counter dental treatments can help treat mild sensitive teeth. If you are looking for relief, choose toothpaste tubes labeled as ‘specifically made for sensitive teeth.’ They can work the magic. They do not encompass any irritating ingredients but have desensitizing ingredients that help block the distress from traveling to the tooth nerve.
When it comes to mouth wash, go for an alcohol-free mouth rinse. It is less irritating for sensitive teeth. Alternatively, a saltwater rinse can work effectively by reducing bacteria growth and plaque in the mouth. It comprises two teaspoons of salt and a cup of warm water. avoid acidic foods and drinks. High-sugar carbs, soda, and sticky candy attack the enamel. Instead, snack on milk, plain yogurt, and cheese. Also, you can chew sugarless gum or drink black tea. These moisten your mouth and help fight bacteria that eat away at your teeth and gum line. Utilizing softer brushes and brushing more gently can also help to treat sensitivity. Soft toothbrushes are labeled as such.
If you grind your teeth at night, liaise with your dentist and see if you need a mouthguard. Relieving pain with cloves and clove oil. These contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties efficient in reducing inflammation, bacteria overgrowth, and pain. For these treatments to work effectively, it typically takes several applications. Expect the results within a week.
Use of Desensitizing Toothpaste
If home remedies do not work, you can talk to your dentist at Chalet Dental Care about prescription mouthwash and toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste encompasses potassium nitrate that helps block transmission of sensation from the tooth root surfaces to the nerve endings. It usually necessitates several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
Fluoride gel or varnish can also help reduce sensitivity. This in-office technique strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations. Our dentist may also suggest using prescription fluoride at home, which is applied via a custom tray. Consider brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent sensitive teeth from recurring. However, if your case is severe, consider visiting a dentist.
When to Talk to Your Dentist About Sensitive Teeth?
Diseased or receding gums can be a primary cause of tooth sensitivity. As your gum tissue breaks down and moves away from the tooth surface, the parts of your teeth with no enamel are exposed. Your nerves are hence somewhat unprotected, causing significant tooth discomfort. Home remedies may not seem to work out for you. Thus, it is advisable to seek help from a professional.
After examining your gums, our dentist at Chalet Dental Care can advise diagnosis or treatment to reduce inflammation in the gums if you have gum disease. We may also suggest a root canal. Root canals remove decay or infection from the inside of a damaged tooth. Receding gums can be treated by using soft toothbrushes and maintaining good oral hygiene
However, in case of intense sensitivity and discomfort resulting from severe gum recession, your dentist may advise using a surgical gum graft. This process incorporates taking tissue from the palate and placing it over the tooth root to protect it.
Shying away from dental care is not essential as you will not be able to withstand the pain. So, if you experience the most common symptoms of sensitive teeth: pain or discomfort, feel free to consult our dental care experts. We can provide medical advice that helps boost your oral health foundation and guarantee healthy teeth.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment in St. Paul
Proper oral hygiene is paramount to preventing the pain and discomfort resulting from tooth sensitivity. If you have any questions about your daily dental hygiene regimen or concerns about sensitivity, feel free to ask our expert team at Chalet Dental Care.
You do not have to live with sensitive teeth. There are simply a few of the several strategies you can embrace to reduce pain and prevent sensitivity. Are you looking for an ideal dental care expert in St. Paul, MN? Feel free to contact us today for more queries, information, or to schedule an appointment.