Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that people often overlook. They may stop eating ice cream or drinking hot tea to avoid the problem, but they don’t get treatment from a dentist.
If you struggle with sensitive teeth but feel on the fence about a dentist appointment, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about it, including when you should see the dentist.
When to See the Dentist for Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity goes away on its own. However, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist if you have persistent discomfort.
Additionally, it’s important that you book an evaluation right away if your teeth are sensitive to sweets, minimally hot temperatures, or cool temperatures. During your appointment, we’ll answer any questions you have about your condition, such as its cause and how it can be treated.
What Usually Makes Teeth Sensitive?
There are many common causes of sudden tooth sensitivity. Often, this problem develops after consistent use of a hard-bristled toothbrush or application of too much pressure when brushing.
Excessive abrasion can wear your tooth enamel down to the point of dentin exposure. It can also cause gum recession, particularly in people with a genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue. Gum recession can also be a symptom of periodontal disease.
Bruxism, a condition that causes people to grind or gnash their teeth, can also grind down your tooth enamel and result in dentin exposure. Moreover, tooth discomfort can be caused by gingivitis, bacterial infection-caused inflammation, and using many over-the-counter teeth whitening products. You also may experience sensitive teeth if you use certain mouthwashes, drink tea regularly, or have significant plaque buildup.
How to Treat Sensitive Teeth
The best way to treat tooth sensitivity depends on the root cause. If you suspect your teeth are sensitive due to normal wear and tear, use desensitizing toothpaste. You may need to try a few brands to find the best one for you, but you should experience relief over time.
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste twice daily and flossing daily will also help. Modifying your diet is another step you can take to try and reduce tooth discomfort.
Sometimes, dentin exposure occurs due to a highly acidic diet. If you currently consume a highly acidic diet, try cutting back on lemons, tomatoes, and other acidic foods and see if your condition improves. Furthermore, you should wear a mouth guard when you sleep if you suffer from bruxism.
How a Dentist Can Help Treat Tooth Sensitivity
We proudly offer several treatments for sensitive teeth. Much like at-home treatments, the right professional treatment for you depends on why you’re experiencing discomfort. Sometimes, all you need is a fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel that protects the dentin in your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth due to gum recession, a gum graft may be recommended. In cases of severe sensitivity, a root canal may be necessary.
Fluoride Treatment
Professional fluoride treatment is a great way to treat toothaches caused by mild or moderate dentin exposure. This non-invasive treatment can be completed in under 10 minutes, and we can perform it during your routine hygiene appointment.
Before your first fluoride treatment, we will assess your risk of developing cavities. If your risk of cavity development is low, you may only need one fluoride treatment annually.
Fluoride treatment is one of the best defenses against tooth discomfort. It is recommended for infants once their primary teeth start erupting, and it is highly advisable through age 16 at the earliest.
It is also a great treat for adults who are suffering from gingivitis, sensitive teeth, or dry mouth. You can also benefit from fluoride treatment as an adult if your gums are receding or you have had cavities recently.
Root Canals
Root canals can treat severe tooth pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments by taking the sensitive nerves out of your tooth. It is really the only way to treat pain caused by cracks or tooth trauma. However, we will recommend less invasive options for you first if your tooth pain is caused by gum recession or normal wear and tear.
Gingivitis Treatment
One reason it’s important to come in at least twice a year for a professional dental cleaning is that we can diagnose diseases while they are still in the early stages. For instance, we can detect gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Initial symptoms usually include bleeding or reddening gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Other common symptoms include mouth sores, halitosis, and gums that are only tender to the touch.
During your dental appointment, we will examine your gumline thoroughly with a probe to determine if you have gingivitis or advanced gum disease. In rare cases, we may need to take dental x-rays to confirm that the disease has not spread to your teeth’s supporting structures. Painful inflammation caused by gingivitis is treated by removing tartar and dental plaque.
Periodontitis Treatment
If gum disease is the cause of your tooth sensitivity, you may need periodontitis treatment to treat your tooth pain. Some signs of periodontitis include a significant increase in tartar buildup and gum recession.
If this inflammatory disease is left untreated, your teeth can shift or loosen. If your gum tissue is infected, we may advise that you get diode laser treatment to ease your pain and start restoring your gum health.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Once your sensitive teeth are treated, there are several things you can do to mitigate the risk of future tooth sensitivity. Your primary line of defense against tooth discomfort should be practicing good oral hygiene.
If your toothbrush bristles are frayed or you have medium or hard bristles, replace your toothbrush as soon as possible. You should buy a new toothbrush every three or four months.
The ADA also advises against tobacco use, especially if you have a high risk of gum recession. Your risk of gum recession will also decrease if you discontinue the use of certain medications, refrain from getting oral piercings, and keep your hormone levels stable. Additionally, you can drastically reduce your risk of tooth discomfort in the future by having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice annually.
When Teeth Are Most Likely to Be Sensitive
Your teeth are most likely to feel uncomfortable when you eat or drink something cold, like ice cream or a smoothie. If cold foods and drinks hurt your teeth, try sticking to room-temperature drinks and warm food.
It’s also common for hot foods and drinks to cause tooth pain. Other common triggers of tooth pain include consuming sweets and acidic foods and drinks. You may want to avoid fruit juices and baked goods.
You also may find that your teeth are sensitive when you brush your teeth with cold tap water. If you find tepid water too cold for your sensitive teeth, brush with warm water.
Are You Suffering With Tooth Sensitivity In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are suffering with tooth sensitivity you should speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
