Our teeth can become sensitive to the rigors of chewing, as well as being affected by hot and cold foods. When we begin experiencing this kind of discomfort we often just wish it would stop, though we often feel like there’s little hope of it ending. People all over the world, millions in the US alone, suffer from ongoing or intermittent tooth pain. Through modern dentistry, it is possible to address the causes of tooth sensitivity, and treatments exist to help ease or stop it.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
There’s a hard mineralized coating that covers our teeth known as enamel, the first layer of protection for the delicate and sensitive roots and pulp of our teeth. Beneath this layer lays the porous and somewhat softer material known as dentin, the final stage of protection for the nerves of our teeth. Dentin has tubules that lead down to the inner pulp, causing it to be sensitive to acidic foods, as well as those that are excessively hot or cold.
Sensitivity In Your Teeth Can Be The Result Of:
- Enamel wear caused by excessive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Foods that present sugars and acid to our enamel, causing it to erode.
- Exposed dentin through trauma or decay.
- Gum recession can result in exposed roots.
- Bruxism, or grinding/clenching of the teeth, can wear down enamel.
- Some procedures can cause post-dental treatment sensitivity, which is temporary.
How Do Is Dental Sensitivity Treated?
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity make an appointment with your dentist. During this consultation, you’ll be asked about the condition, including how frequently you suffer from this condition. Additional information may be sought to try to determine what makes your sensitivity worse or better, and what kind of foods aggravate it. Throughout this consultation they’ll be able to whittle down the cause of your sensitivity and determine the proper treatment for it. In some cases, those where the gum has receded, a gum graft may be necessary to restore a protective layer to the roots.
Products For The Treatment Of Tooth Sensitivity
After consulting with your dentist you may be advised to seek over-the-counter products to supplement the treatments they’ll be scheduling. There are fluoride gels, toothpaste, and other treatments that can help offset sensitivity you’re experiencing and help bolster your enamel in minor cases. Many brands carry tubes of toothpaste that can aid in easing your tooth sensitivity. In cases where this can be effective, reduced sensitivity is usually evident in one or two weeks.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity destroy your enjoyment of your favorite foods, contact your dentist today to determine the cause and how it can be treated. No one needs to live a life suffering from dental pain while enjoying their favorite foods, a consultation and exam with your dentist will set you on the road to a pain-free dental experience. Isn’t it time that you live a life free from dental sensitivity?