Tooth sensitivity is very common and causes a person to feel a lot of discomfort and pain when their teeth encounter certain substances and temperatures. While the pain is temporary, it is sharp and sudden but the good news is that there are treatments that can help ease the pain so that you do not have to suffer from this dental problem any longer.
Before diving into treatments, it’s important to first understand the causes of tooth sensitivity. which can happen to anyone and normally occurs when teeth come into contact with sweet, hot or acidic foods. It can even occur when teeth are exposed to air or from brushing and flossing. Causes include plaque build-up, cracked teeth, gum recession, brushing too hard, grinding your teeth or clenching, and long-term use of mouthwash. All of which can contribute to tooth sensitivity. It can also occur after a filling or a whitening treatment.
There are a few different treatment options available and, in many cases, tooth sensitivity will not completely disappear although the symptoms will be less. It is a problem that will come and go and each patient will experience different results. so there is no single option that can treat everyone the same way. A dentist must first complete diagnosis so that they can find the reason behind the sensitivity. Knowing the cause is the only way to treat sensitivity effectively because the treatment will be relative to the cause of the pain and will, therefore, be able to successfully decrease it. If the cause is unknown, the problem will not only continue but get a lot worse.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, here are a few treatments you can try right at home:
- Change your toothpaste to one that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Many brands provide desensitizing toothpaste, so find the one that works best for you or try one that your dentist recommends. It’s important to use fluoridated toothpaste and not tartar control toothpaste, which is not meant for sensitive teeth.
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated mouthwash.
- Avoid eating highly acidic foods, which can make the condition worse.
- If you grind your teeth, you should look into getting a mouthguard.
If you do not see a difference, it may be time for a dental procedure to reduce your sensitivity. Bonding, crowns and root canals may help if the other treatment options are not producing results.
Anabella Dental in Kitchener can help with tooth sensitivity issues and anything else dental related, including implants and wisdom teeth removal, so if you need a dentist you can trust and want a dental office that cares, contact Anabella Dental today!