Dealing With Your Sensitive Teeth

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, which can make even the most mundane activities, such as eating food or drinking coffee, painful. This is due to the enamel of the tooth surface being worn away and leads to the exposure of the teeth roots through cavities, cracks or chipping in your teeth. If you frequently suffer from sensitive teeth, then contacting a dental professional like Gladstone dentist Dr. Mosley is highly advised. There are a few options that Dr. Mosley and his team can suggest to help treat your sensitive pearly whites.

Cleaning the Right Way

Of course, making sure you keep your oral health top-of-mind is a great way to ensure that your teeth don’t end up sensitive in the first place. Simple things like brushing twice daily and making sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush can really make a difference. Also important is paying close attention to the toothpaste you are using to make sure it is not rough and contains enough fluoride. The dentist may go through your cleaning habits to see if you are brushing too hard or using the wrong kind of brush or paste at home. He or she may also ask if you grind your teeth at night, a condition called bruxism, and can help fit you with a mouthguard or other devices to help keep that from happening.

Your Dentin and Nerve

The dentin is part of tooth that hides the nerve, and one of the reasons that teeth can get so sensitive is that part of the dentin gets exposed. This can be from various causes, including abnormal wear on your teeth or gums that are receding. Most people notice sensitivity when they eat very acidic foods or eat or drink ones that are full of sugar and very sweet. Temperature change is another main cause of pain in sensitive teeth and can result in very intense and sudden pain. This is because the dentin has a bunch of pores that go down the tooth’s center where the nerves lie. The pores in the dentin are easily affected by those acidic and sweet foods and changes in hot and cold.

Be Careful With What You Eat

If you do suffer from sensitive teeth then being very careful about what you eat and drink is key. Foods high in acid like soft drinks, citrus, or even wine or yogurt can unnecessarily wear away your enamel. Remembering to limit large quantities of these items can help avoid making your teeth sore. A good trick is also to rinse your mouth with water to limit the buildup of any acids or sugars after you eat.

What Can  Be Done

If you are already suffering from sensitive teeth then McDowell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can provide many different choices to help combat relieve your condition. If the dentin is indeed exposed then a fluoridated varnish can be applied to help strengthen the teeth and the dentin. If gum disease is causing you sensitivity then a deep cleaning of your teeth by a highly-trained hygienist can help. In some cases, fluoride is put straight on the teeth in foam or gel form, which after a few minutes of contact assists in treating the areas causing pain. In still other cases, materials used to bond teeth can seal the top the tooth and its dentin to block access to the nerve. In very bad cases, a root canal could be necessary, but a visit to your dentist should be first on your list to find out what treatment is right for you.

If your teeth are sensitive, the Gladstone dentists at McDowell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have many treatment options. Contact us today to find out more.