Best Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity can turn everyday activities like drinking a hot coffee or eating an ice cream into uncomfortable experiences. If you're struggling with sensitive teeth, you're not alone; it's a common issue among many adults. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can reduce your discomfort or even eliminate teeth sensitivity altogether. Here’s a guide to the best treatments for teeth sensitivity.
Understanding Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession happens, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, which contains tiny tubes leading to the nerve center of the tooth. When heat, cold, or pressure touches these tubes, it can cause pain.
Best Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
The treatment for sensitive teeth depends on what's causing it. Here are some of the best treatments that can help:
Desensitizing Toothpaste: These toothpastes contain compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. It may take several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
Fluoride Gel: Strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the transmission of sensations, fluoride gels can be applied in your dentist's office to any sensitive areas of your teeth.
Dental Bonding: If tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces, applying a bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces can treat this.
Surgical Gum Graft: If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
Root Canal Treatment: If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments are not effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal—a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth's soft core (dental pulp).
Home Remedies and Prevention
In addition to treatments, modifying your oral hygiene can help alleviate symptoms of teeth sensitivity:
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Sometimes, tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gums to prevent further abrasion to the enamel.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Soda, sticky candy, high-sugar carbs—all can strip away tooth enamel. Limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Wear a Mouth Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can be treated with a variety of methods that range from improved dental hygiene to professional treatments. If you suffer from sensitivity, don’t ignore it. Consult with us at Khoury Family Dental to determine the most appropriate approach to manage your sensitive teeth effectively.
