Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated?
According to the Academy of General Dentistry at least 40 million adults in the United States suffer from sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity causes discomfort or pain in teeth when you encounter certain temperatures or substances and is a common dental problem. The pain can be due to cavities, gum recession, or enamel and root erosion. These all cause dentin to be exposed. The sharp and sudden pain may shoot into the tooth’s nerve endings but it is temporary. This condition can be treated and will improve with consistent treatment.
Tooth Sensitivity Can Be Very Painful
Tooth sensitivity can be very painful, but it can also be an indication of a bigger problem If you are troubled by painful, sensitive teeth, contact Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS. She can identify the problem and discover if there are underlying causes for your tooth pain.
What is the Cause of Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity often comes and goes. It is usually caused by gum disease and receding gums that expose the dentin on root areas. If the root area of your tooth isn’t protected by enamel because of eroding enamel, the nerves are exposed, which causes tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Enamel to Erode?
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Vigorous Teeth Brushing
Vigorous teeth brushing can damage gum tissue and can loosen your teeth from the gums. This exposes your mouth to possible infection and gum damage. Proper brushing includes using a soft bristle toothbrush in the following way.
- Gently brush the outer surfaces, inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
- Floss your teeth once a day (preferably at bedtime)
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and finish with an antibacterial mouthwash rinse
2. Excessive Teeth Whitening with Over-the-Counter Products
White teeth are the standard in today’s world, but in their natural state, teeth are a pearly white and not day glow bright white. If you’re going to whiten your own teeth, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Overdoing self-whitening products can damage your enamel beyond repair.
3. Highly Acidic Foods Erode Tooth Enamel
Highly acidic foods damages tooth enamel, exposing the inner layer of your teeth. When the inner layer of your tooth is exposed, the nerve center is exposed, which leads to painful tooth sensitivity. Some of the highly acidic foods include the following:
- Cranberries
- Sport drinks, soft drinks, and orange juice
- Coffee
- Tomatoes and tomato products
- Wine
- Citrus fruits
- Pickled products
There are ways to eat your favorite acidic foods and avoid damaging your teeth:
- Save eating acidic foods for mealtimes, thus reducing the acid by eating it with other foods.
- After eating acidic food, sip water to rinse your mouth.
- If you drink acidic beverages, use a straw and finish the drink quickly, instead of sipping it over a long period of time.
- Acid softens your enamel, so avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking highly acidic foods or drinks because it can damage your teeth. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Treating Sensitive Teeth
There are several ways to treat sensitive teeth.
- Desensitizing over-the-counter toothpaste that can block pain associated with sensitive teeth.
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
- Exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin.
- If other treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Evanson might recommend a root canal; it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.
You don’t have to live with the pain caused by sensitive teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact her online. She will get to the “root” of your tooth pain!
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