What To Do With Sensitive Teeth

When you have sensitive teeth, simple tasks like eating, drinking, or brushing can cause pain to your teeth. Usually this is because the tooth enamel has been worn down by exposed teeth roots or by a cavity, chip or crack in the tooth. If you are experiencing sensitivity to your teeth, a visit to Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. may be in order. Upon your visit, the doctor and his trained staff may recommend some of the following options as treatment to alleviate your sensitivity symptoms.

Most tooth sensitivity is because you have exposed part of the dentin, which is the tooth area that conceals the nerve. This could be from gums receding or wear on your teeth. When the temperature changes or you eat very acidic or sweet food, this can cause pain in the mouth. Though the pain usually does not last a long time, it can be sharp and intense. Dentin actually is made up a series of pores that go from the tooth’s outside to the nerve at its center. These pores or ducts are easily stimulated by temperature or food types when the dentin is left exposed.

In order to help treat sensitive teeth, it is always best to make sure you are paying close attention to your oral health. That means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using toothpaste with fluoride in it. Your dentist may ask you if you are using very coarse toothpaste or brushing too vigorously, both of which can lead to sensitive teeth. Another reason for the wearing down of the dentin can be bruxism, or tooth grinding, which a dentist like Dr. Alina Bergan can help fix with options such as mouth guards.

Watch What You Are Eating and Drinking

Other things to look out for include watching what you eat and drink. Certain foods like soft drinks, citrus, yogurt, or wine can eat away at tooth enamel. Avoiding large quantities of these foods and drinks can decrease the chances of teeth sensitivity. Also, remembering to rinse your mouth out with water after indulging in those items will help wash away those harmful acids.

Treatment Options

Depending on what is causing your sensitivity, Dr, Alina Bergan D.D.S has many treatment options. If it is periodontitis, or gum disease, that is the trigger, then a deep cleaning by the hygienists and dentist can help. If the dentist sees that your dentin is exposed though, he could apply a fluoridated varnish to help reinforce the dentin and the enamel of the teeth. Fluoride can also be applied directly to the teeth through a gel or foam, which sits on a tray in your mouth for a few minutes and helps to beef up those affected areas. Tooth bonding materials, usually used to restore the look of teeth cosmetically, can also be used to seal the top of the dentin and create a block to the nerves that cause it to be sensitive. If the sensitivity is very bad, a root canal or other dental care may be necessary. For home treatments, your dentist may recommend that you use very softly bristled toothbrush, highly fluoridated toothpaste, and may even suggest desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block the pain while your dentin heals.

If you think you may be experiencing any tooth sensitivity, please call us today at (800) 223-0801 and schedule an appointment.