How do I Handle My Tooth Sensitivity?
If eating hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks causes your teeth to feel painful, then you likely have sensitive teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, approximately 40 million adults in the United States experience tooth sensitivity, so you’re not alone if you are suffering with this problem.
Make an appointment to talk about your tooth sensitivity with Dr. Evanson by calling 720-409-0008 or contact us online today.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Sensitive teeth are commonly the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Occasionally tooth pain is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS can take the guesswork out of why your teeth are sensitive, and determine the proper way to treat them.
Factors that Contribute to Tooth Sensitivity
When the nerves inside the tooth get stimulated, you can feel everything from minor discomfort to a sharp, sudden, shooting pain deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. What causes that?
Acidic Diet
Frequently eating sour food and drinks can strip away your tooth enamel, which is made up of minerals such as calcium. Monitor your intake of highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickled products, and acidic beverages including orange juice, coffee, sports drinks, wine, and carbonated sodas.
Sugary Diet
Sugary treats such as sticky candy and cookies, etc. can promote bacteria growth and plaque. The acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can actually break down tooth structure. Watch your intake of sweets to protect your teeth, which can cause tooth decay; a common cause of tooth pain.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth is a good thing. Brushing them too aggressively may wear down your enamel and the calcified substance covering the root of a tooth. This may lead to gum recession which exposes the softer parts of your tooth which causes pain and sensitivity. If you are experiencing gum recession, see Dr. Evanson right away to make sure you don’t have something more serious going on.
Receding Gums
If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, that indicates that your gums are receding, which exposes dentin channels and creates sensitive nerve branches inside of your teeth. Receding gum lines are not always because you’re brushing too hard. Other underlying causes of your tooth pain could be as a result of gum disease.
Remedies for Tooth Sensitivity
When you have sensitive teeth, even brushing your teeth can cause sharp, temporary pain. A diagnosis begins with an examination by Dr. Evanson. She will find out what the underlying dental problems are that are causing the sensitivity, and properly treat it.
- Over-the counter desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth.
- Fluoride treatment to the sensitive areas of your teeth may be applied to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
- Exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.
- If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be surgically attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
- If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Evanson might recommend a root canal to eliminate your tooth sensitivity.
- Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily. Wait for an hour after eating before you brush, since some food and drinks can soften the enamel of your teeth.
Don’t Suffer Any Longer! Book a Tooth Sensitivity Consultation Today!
If you’ve been suffering from tooth sensitivity that prevents you from eating the foods you love, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling 720-409-0008 or contact us online today. With treatment, you could soon be eating ice cream without cringing!
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