What to do About Your Tooth Sensitivity
If the taste of something cold or hot is giving you pain, you might be suffering from tooth sensitivity. When you have sensitive teeth, activities like brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking all cause a short sensitivity discomfort on your teeth. Having sensitive teeth could be a sign that you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. There are multiple reasons why you may experience sensitive teeth and here’s what you need to do about it.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth are the result of decaying tooth enamel or tooth root exposure. Enamel protects the crowns of your teeth and cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and cementum is dentin being protected by both, and when it loses its protective covering, heat, cold, anything acidic or sticky that reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth results in hypersensitivity.
Other possible causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Gum Disease
- Receding Gums
- Fractured Teeth
- Tooth Decay or Cavities
- Worn Fillings
Treatment and Prevention for Tooth Sensitivity
Luckily, sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment depends on the cause of your sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent sensitive teeth, but in more severe situations, you may want to discuss the following options with your dentist.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Helps block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
- Fluoride Gel: Strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
- A Crown or Bonding: Helps to correct decay that results in sensitivity.
- Surgical Gum Graft: Protects the root and reduces sensitivity.
- Root Canal: For severe pain and the most successful technique.
If you are bothered by sensitive teeth, schedule a visit with Dr. Bruce Silva. We can pinpoint the actual cause of tooth sensitivity and guide you with how to treat it. Call Dr. Bruce Silva today if you have sensitive teeth.
