For those with sensitive teeth, everyday activities such as brushing, eating and drinking can be painful. Some people may notice their teeth becoming more sensitive with age, while others may wake up one day and notice a huge change immediately. While teeth sensitivity may be attributed to a variety of causes, understanding the symptoms and available treatments is the first step in finding a solution to caring for sensitive teeth.
The Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can be noticed with mild pain when biting down on hard foods, drinking ice-cold water or brushing vigorously. Some people also notice sensitivity when breathing through their mouth, especially in cold weather. With time, the discomfort may become worse. People who experience sensitivity should make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible to get a definite diagnosis.
Strategies for Caring for Sensitive Teeth
If a dentist does not find any sign of dental decay or other problems, there are some strategies patients can use to fight teeth sensitivity. Special toothpastes designed for sensitivity can help a great deal if they are used regularly. The ingredients of these pastes act as a numbing agent to make brushing more pleasant, and the effect can last for several hours. There are also mouthwashes available that have the same effects. Patients can carry around a travel-sized bottle to use between brushing.
Sometimes the reason for the sensitivity is just overly vigorous brushing, or being overdue for a cleaning. Gel toothpastes are also a common source of sensitivity, and easy to fix. Switching toothpaste to an all cream toothpaste (generally without any color or stripes) may resolve the issue.
Dental Procedures to Combat Sensitivity
If over-the-counter remedies are not working, there are some steps dentists can take to stop tooth sensitivity. In some cases, the pain is coming from a single nerve. Depending on the location, the dentist can use white bonding material to thicken the tooth dentin and provide more insulation against hot and cold. There are a number of options, and the choice usually depends on why they are having the sensitivity in the first place. That is why our dentists here at Brookside Dental Care encourage you to come in to visit us so we can analyze and distinguish exactly your unique teeth sensitivity problem to treat it for your specific case.
Other possible treatment options are:
Application of agents that decrease sensitivity. This can be done in office, or using custom made trays at home. Fluoride often helps.
Seal tooth using bonding resin
Place composite bonding material to cover exposed areas, like was stated above
Placement of a full coverage restoration if there is evidence of a cracked tooth
Root canal is a last resort, and used when there is evidence of an irreversible condition. Rarely, it is used to stop pain in the absence of pathology
Whether a person seeks relief in over-the-counter products or more professional treatments by a dentist, anyone with troublesome sensitivity in their teeth can expect that a solution is readily available to help them minimize and even eliminate pain. Give our wonderful staff here at Brookside Dental Care a call today for our professional eyes to view your particular teeth sensitivity issue. Make an appointment now!
Tooth sensitivity can be noticed with mild pain when biting down on hard foods, drinking ice-cold water or brushing vigorously. Some people also notice sensitivity when breathing through their mouth, especially in cold weather. With time, the discomfort may become worse. People who experience sensitivity should make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible to get a definite diagnosis.
Strategies for Caring for Sensitive Teeth
If a dentist does not find any sign of dental decay or other problems, there are some strategies patients can use to fight teeth sensitivity. Special toothpastes designed for sensitivity can help a great deal if they are used regularly. The ingredients of these pastes act as a numbing agent to make brushing more pleasant, and the effect can last for several hours. There are also mouthwashes available that have the same effects. Patients can carry around a travel-sized bottle to use between brushing.
Sometimes the reason for the sensitivity is just overly vigorous brushing, or being overdue for a cleaning. Gel toothpastes are also a common source of sensitivity, and easy to fix. Switching toothpaste to an all cream toothpaste (generally without any color or stripes) may resolve the issue.
Dental Procedures to Combat Sensitivity
If over-the-counter remedies are not working, there are some steps dentists can take to stop tooth sensitivity. In some cases, the pain is coming from a single nerve. Depending on the location, the dentist can use white bonding material to thicken the tooth dentin and provide more insulation against hot and cold. There are a number of options, and the choice usually depends on why they are having the sensitivity in the first place. That is why our dentists here at Brookside Dental Care encourage you to come in to visit us so we can analyze and distinguish exactly your unique teeth sensitivity problem to treat it for your specific case.
Other possible treatment options are:
Application of agents that decrease sensitivity. This can be done in office, or using custom made trays at home. Fluoride often helps.
Seal tooth using bonding resin
Place composite bonding material to cover exposed areas, like was stated above
Placement of a full coverage restoration if there is evidence of a cracked tooth
Root canal is a last resort, and used when there is evidence of an irreversible condition. Rarely, it is used to stop pain in the absence of pathology
Whether a person seeks relief in over-the-counter products or more professional treatments by a dentist, anyone with troublesome sensitivity in their teeth can expect that a solution is readily available to help them minimize and even eliminate pain. Give our wonderful staff here at Brookside Dental Care a call today for our professional eyes to view your particular teeth sensitivity issue. Make an appointment now!
