A Guide To Tooth Sensitivity

General Dentistry / By Mendota Springs Dentistry

Do you experience pain while sipping a cup of hot coffee or having an ice cream? Do your gums bleed while brushing or flossing occasionally? If so, you have tooth sensitivity.

Possible reasons may include:

• Tooth decay or cavities
• Fractured teeth
• Gum disease
• Worn-out tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

Tooth Sensitivity

The main question is what causes tooth sensitivity? It is referred to as an occurrence where external stimuli trigger the nerves. It leads to toothache or tooth pain in one or more teeth. Sensitive teeth signs generally include sharp and shooting pain. It causes discomfort while drinking or eating foods. Tooth sensitivity can be cured by visiting a dentist and taking some precautions. Sometimes hot and cold, sweet or spicy foods can also activate tooth sensitivity.

When you suffer from tooth sensitivity, specific activities, like brushing, eating, and drinking, cause sharp, brief pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are generally the effect of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. However, cavity chipped tooth, or gum disease many times causes tooth pain.

If you’re troubled by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist ASAP. A dentist can easily pinpoint the cause of your tooth pain. Relying on the possibilities, your dentist might suggest:

• Desensitizing Toothpaste. They help block the pain caused by tooth sensitivity after applications on the enamel or on to the exposed tooth. There are so many types of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product will suit your condition the best.
• Fluoride. Your dentist may apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to toughen tooth enamel and decrease pain & will also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home.
• Bonding. Root surfaces are sometimes treated using a bonding resin over the sensitive area of the root surfaces. 
• Surgical Gum Graft. To protect exposed roots & reduce sensitivity, in case, your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and bound to the affected root. 
• Root Canal. If your sensitive teeth cause extreme pain and other treatments aren’t useful, your dentist might suggest a root canal procedure, in which, the tooth’s dental pulp problem is treated. It is regarded as the most booming technique & effective treatment for eradicating tooth sensitivity.

To control tooth sensitivity, you should floss & brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Many dentists may suggest some easy-at-home tips to maintain healthy oral hygiene & one of them will be to avoid using abrasive toothpaste & gently brush your teeth in a circular motion rather than harsh scrubbing. In case you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a mouthguard. Tooth grinding can crack teeth and cause sensitivity.

You may likewise consider taking care of eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, like carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and alcohol— all of which can remove tooth enamel in small amounts over time. The best way is to use a straw while drinking acidic drinks to avoid contact with the teeth. Always remember to drink water after an acidic substance to balance the acid levels in your mouth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents tooth sensitivity. Ask the expert dentist near you in Fitchburg, book an appointment today get yourself an appointment.