The Common Causes And Treatments For Sensitive Teeth

Healthy teeth are important. Not only do they keep your smile looking white and clean, but they also prevent you from developing some unpleasant diseases. Plus, good dental hygiene reduces the risk of sensitive teeth, which can make eating and drinking more painful than they need to be.

If there is one thing most of us want to avoid at all costs, it’s toothache. While sensitive teeth and pain are different, the former can often lead to the latter. Fortunately, you can avoid this trouble by understanding what causes the problem and help it by using the right treatments for sensitive teeth.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Teeth sensitivity occurs when the layer of enamel protecting a tooth is worn away. This exposes the dentin underneath, which is the softer layer that contains microscopic tubules. When exposed, these tubules can better transport hot, cold, or acidic substances to the nerves in your teeth, which understandably causes you pain. Brushing too hard or grinding your teeth can lead to dentin exposure over time, as can allowing plaque to build up. That’s why it’s important to think about what you eat or drink and brush several times a day. Acidic substances, such as certain foods or mouthwash, can also contribute to this. Various dental procedures, such as teeth whitening or getting a filling, may cause issues with sensitivity too. 

What’s the best treatment for sensitive teeth?

With sensitive teeth, no treatment is necessarily better than the others. That’s because different treatments may be more effective for some people, depending on what’s causing the sensitivity and how exposed your dentin is. Most people who struggle with teeth sensitivity tend to use toothpaste designed specifically for targeting this problem. Multiple brands out there offer products with this capability, and it’s possible your dentist may recommend one they think is best for you. This isn’t a quick-fix solution, so you shouldn’t expect your teeth to be able to handle a cold tub of ice cream overnight. However, if used as part of a regular teeth cleaning routine, it can lessen the pain and make eating more enjoyable. Other treatments you might want to consider for sensitive teeth include using a fluoride mouthwash, avoiding acidic foods, and wearing a mouthguard to prevent grinding.

Are there dental procedures for tackling sensitive teeth?

If the above treatments don’t help, you may want to speak with your dentist about getting certain dental procedures. A few options are available for dealing with sensitive teeth, such as getting a bonding, crown, or inlay. If it’s one or two teeth causing you pain, these treatments should help tackle the problem. A surgical gum graft is also an option if receding gums are responsible for the issue. This procedure helps protect the root of your teeth, which are incredibly vulnerable to sensitivity. If nothing else is making a difference and you’re really struggling, a root canal is also a possibility. However, this is usually reserved as a last resort.

It can be a nightmare putting anything in your mouth when you have sensitive teeth. However, you don’t need to suffer in silence. With these tips at your disposal, you should find the treatment for sensitive teeth that will take the pain away.