Long Ridge Dental BLOG

How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

By: Wisdompad1 | Tags: Child dentistry, Family Dentist, preventive dental care | Comments: 0 | December 1st, 2022

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

Specific actions, such as eating, drinking, and brushing, might trigger sudden, momentary pain in your teeth if you have sensitive teeth. Usually, exposed tooth roots or damaged tooth enamel cause sharp teeth. However, there are times when other problems, such as a cavity, a fractured or chipped tooth, a worn covering, or gum disease, are to blame for dental discomfort. Knowing what might be causing these toothaches helps treat them. Finding a solution is possible once the problem has been identified.

What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Anyone can have tooth sensitivity, although those between the ages of 20 and 40 are more likely to have them, and women are more likely to have them than males—usually, exposed tooth roots or damaged tooth enamel cause sensitive teeth. However, there are times when other problems, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease, are to blame for dental discomfort. Other conditions can occasionally cause tooth sensitivity. For instance, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can result in acid reflux from the stomach and esophagus, which over time, may erode teeth. Acid can erode the enamel in conditions like gastroparesis and bulimia that frequently produce vomiting.

How Can You Deal with Tooth Sensitivity?

It would help if you did something about your tooth sensitivity at once so you can go back to enjoying the simpler things in life. Here are some ways to deal with tooth sensitivity.

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste: For symptom relief, using toothpaste explicitly for treating dental sensitivity may be beneficial. Most of these toothpaste has a component that momentarily plugs little gaps in your enamel and dentin. This lessens the exposure that the delicate nerves in your teeth will experience. Desensitizing toothpaste can occasionally assist in reducing dental pain after repeated applications. Numerous over-the-counter products are available. Which product might be the most effective for you? Ask your dentist.

1. Have Your Gums Checked By a Dentist:

Diseased or receding gums may significantly influence tooth sensitivity. The areas of teeth with no enamel (below the gum line) are revealed as the gum tissue deteriorates and pulls away from the tooth surface. This partial lack of protection for the nerves might result in excruciating suffering. To ensure you don’t have gum disease that needs to be addressed, has your dentist check your gums. Gums that are in good health shield teeth and reduce sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest a root canal to treat issues in the tooth’s soft core if your sensitive teeth are painful and other treatments are ineffective (dental pulp). Even though this procedure may seem extensive, it is thought to be the most effective way to cure dental sensitivity.

3. Root Canal:

You can treat receding gums by brushing softly and practicing good oral hygiene. Your dentist could suggest employing a gum graft if you are experiencing extreme sensitivity and discomfort due to significant gum recession. To safeguard the tooth, tissue from the palate is applied over the root during this process.

4. Dental Varnishes and Coatings:

To treat sensitive teeth, a dentist can use a variety of varnishes and other coatings. Tooth sensitivity can be decreased with the aid of fluoride varnish. Fluoride plugs in microscopic defects in dental enamel that could expose teeth to irritation and changes in temperature. Additional bonding substances and plastic sealing coatings may be used to reinforce enamel and dentin. The bone tissue under the enamel is called dentin. Inquire with your dentist about coating choices for lessening tooth sensitivity. To bolster tooth enamel and relieve pain, your dentist may administer fluoride to the sensitive parts of your teeth. Additionally, they could advise applying prescription fluoride using a personalized tray at home.

5. Avoid Acidic Foods:

Some foods and beverages might aggravate sensitive teeth. To lessen sharp teeth, these should be ingested in moderation or avoided altogether. Coffee, citrus, pickles, sodas, and other acidic foods and beverages can make teeth more sensitive. If eating presents a challenge for your sharp teeth, consider minimizing or eliminating certain foods. Also, it’s advisable to avoid really hot or freezing foods and beverages because they can hurt your teeth.

It may be best to seek the advice of a professional in the matter of tooth sensitivity. Long Ridge Dental is home to some highly qualified and experienced dentists who can recognize the case with your teeth and help you overcome the issue of tooth sensitivity in a safe and foolproof way.

Numerous issues might lead to sensitive teeth. Ignoring your teeth can exacerbate the situation. Fortunately, there are practical ways to lessen tooth sensitivity. Twice-daily brushing and flossing will keep your smile healthy and pain-free. Additionally, you should also go to the dentist twice a year for a checkup. Following the tips mentioned above carefully can cause a dramatic decrease in your tooth sensitivity.