Understanding Sensitive Teeth

Having tooth and gum sensitivity can be incredibly painful. Simple actions such as brushing and flossing your teeth can lead to pain. Some people even experience pain whenever they breath in cold air. Knowing what causes sensitive teeth can help you figure out how to manage and reverse your symptoms.

There are a number of reasons behind tooth sensitivity. The most common cause is enamel erosion that leads to the tooth’s root becoming exposed. Gum disease, receding gums, tooth decay, aggressive brushing and cracked teeth can also lead to the exposure of the tooth’s roots and nerves. Once this has occurred, extreme sensations can cause discomfort and pain.

Treating sensitive teeth begins with knowing the root causes of the problem. Sensitivity caused by exposed dentin and nerves can be treated with special toothpaste formulas and fluoride supplements. These treatment methods strengthen the enamel of the teeth. Sensitivity caused by receding gums can be treated with the use of dental sealants. These create barriers between the nerve and any irritants to the teeth. Root canals are another treatment option. These are typically undergone when other methods fail and the issues existing within the tooth’s pulp need to be properly addressed to end sensitivity.

The Primary Causes of Sensitive Teeth

1. Aggressively brushing your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause tooth enamel to erode. This exposes the tooth’s nerves and causes sensitivity. To avoid this issue, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. Foods that are acidic increase sensitivity and pain. Stay away from citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and other types of acidic foods and beverages.

3. Teeth grinding during the night wears down enamel and leads to tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about receiving a custom-fitted mouth guard to wear when you sleep.

4. Ingredients found in tooth-whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and other products may cause tooth sensitivity. Switch brands if you believe this is the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth.

5. Mouthwashes containing alcohol can also lead to sensitivity. Find a mouthwash that is neutral. Alternatively, you can stop using mouthwash altogether.

6. Gum disease can lead to receding gumlines. This can expose sensitive areas of the teeth. Dental sealants alongside gum inflammation treatments can address your sensitivity caused by gum disease.

7. Recent dental procedures such as root canals, extractions or fillings can cause some sensitivity to occur. Talk to your dentist if the sensitivity persists, as it could be indicative of an infection setting in.

8. Chipped or cracked teeth that are left untreated can cause discomfort and severe pain if left untreated.

9. When an old tooth filling cracks or leaks, it can lead to the acids and bacteria within the mouth breaking down the enamel. A replacement filling usually addresses sensitivity caused by this issue.

While tooth sensitivity tends to be simple to treat, it’s important to know that it can also be a symptom of serious oral health issues. That’s why you should seek out treatment from your family dentist. Once he or she has determined the cause, they will prescribe you the proper form of treatment to rid you of your sensitive teeth and gums. In some cases, this is as simple as using special toothpastes or receiving fluoride treatments.

Sensitive Teeth Treatment

• Ensure that your dental health stays in great shape by seeing your dentist in Miami on a regular basis.

• Establish a consistent dental health care routine.

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently.

• Use toothpaste that is made specially for sensitive teeth.

• Try a mouthwash containing fluoride.

• Wear a night guard when you sleep to prevent teeth grinding.

• Refrain from consuming acidic foods and beverages.

Knowing exactly what is causing your sensitive teeth will help you to know what to do to treat the problem. If your sensitive teeth are caused by teeth grinding, your dentist will most likely prescribe a mouth guard for you to wear when you sleep. This will prevent your teeth from becoming sensitive or fracturing.

Being mindful of the types of foods that you eat is another way to treat sensitive teeth. Stay away from acidic fruits, wine, and carbonated beverages. These items have the potential to break down the tooth’s enamel. If you do choose to partake, rinse out your mouth by drinking water or milk. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods will also lead to further erosion.

Remedies for Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

Seeking out an expert opinion from your family dentist is always best, but here are a few dental care tips you can try in the meantime:

1. Discover Desensitizing Toothpaste – These products are specially formulated to stop sensitivity from hitting the roots and nerves of the tooth. They tend to work within just a few uses.

2. Ask About Fluoride – Fluoride treatments strengthen your teeth and fight off sensitivity.

3. Find the Remedy at the Roots – Gum grafts can be used to successfully treat sensitive teeth and gums caused by receding gums.

Not only are sensitive teeth treatable, but they are also preventable. Preventing this problem from setting in is as simple as practicing good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles, brushing gently and seeing your dentist approximately once every six months.

There’s no need to suffer from pain associated with sensitive teeth. Practice excellent oral hygiene and seek out treatment for your sensitive teeth so that you can begin living a life free from pain and discomfort.