Fix Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity happens to everyone and occasionally, it will subside on its own. In other cases, tooth sensitivity may be due to gum disease, exposed root surfaces, or worn enamel. Patients may also experience tooth sensitivity if they have a chipped or cracked tooth or decay. If your sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, call your dentist to set up an exam.
Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, there are some things you can try at home before seeking treatment.
Oral Care Products For Sensitivity
There are a number of toothpastes and mouthwashes available for patients with tooth sensitivity. The trick to these is continued use! While you may see improvement after just a few uses, these products work best with continued use. Toothpastes like Sensodyne and ProNamel have been around for years and have proven helpful.
Fluoride Products and Treatments
Fluoride is a great way to help strengthen your teeth and decrease sensitivity. It has been used for decades and can be found in a number of oral care products. Your dentist can also provide a fluoride treatment in the office or can provide fluoride trays for you to use at home every day for a few weeks.
Dental Bonding
When the root surface becomes exposed due to receding gum tissue, the resulting sensitivity can be very painful! Your dentist can use bonding to protect the roots from further damage.
Gum Graft
Extreme gum recession may not be able to be treated with dental bonding. In this case, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist to perform a gum graft. A gum graft uses tissue harvested from either the roof of your mouth or from a cadaver that is stitched into place over the root surfaces.
Root Canal Therapy
If you have persistent sensitivity that is not being caused by receding gums, your dentist may send you to an endodontist for an evaluation for a root canal. Root canal therapy involves the endodontist drilling an access hole in the infected tooth and then cleaning out each root canal to clear the infected pulp. The pulp of the tooth is where the nerves and blood flow are housed and when the pulp becomes infected, root canal therapy can get you out of pain almost immediately!
Other Options
Minor sensitivity may be readily resolved by simply changing your diet! Foods high in acidity and carbonated beverages can damage tooth enamel which can increase sensitivity. Be sure that you are using a soft bristled toothbrush at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day to keep your gum tissue healthy. Incorporating sensitivity oral care products can greatly help reduce your discomfort!
Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of a bigger problem so it is important to notify your dentist if you are having lingering sensitivity issues. A tooth that has a small amount of decay can quickly turn into a large cavity and lead to bigger problems if left untreated. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year will greatly increase your chances of catching minor decay before it gets worse!