Causes and Treatment Methods for Tooth Sensitivity

About half of the American population experiences tooth sensitivity every day. When your teeth are sensitive, you may experience very sharp pain when you bite into hot or cold food substances. It may also limit your intake of certain foods which are sweet or contain acid. However, you can find treatment for Fair Oaks tooth sensitivity at Madison Family Dental Group to alleviate your discomfort.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is when you experience sharp pain in your teeth caused by hot or cold stimuli. You may experience sensitivity in one or several of your teeth. Specific triggers of tooth sensitivity which include:

• Cool air
• Hot or cold foods and beverages
• Sweetened foods
• Acidic foods
• Alcohol-based mouthwash
• Brushing your teeth

Causes of tooth sensitivity

Different factors may contribute to tooth sensitivity, for example:

• Gingivitis. This dental disease causes inflammation in your gums and exposes your tooth’s root.
• Brushing your teeth using a hard-bristled toothbrush may wear off enamel in your tooth, causing sensitivity.
• Grinding or clenching your teeth wears down your enamel making your teeth sensitive.
• Tooth cavities may cause abscess, infection, and pain in the pulp of your tooth.
• Using an acid-based mouthwash over a long period may damage your dentine layer.
• Dental processes such as scaling and root planing may make your teeth sensitive.
• Receding gums expose the root of your teeth and may result in tooth sensitivity.

Treatment for tooth sensitivity

There are different treatment methods available for tooth sensitivity at Madison Family Dental Group. Your doctor will diagnose you before recommending a treatment option that works for you. During diagnosis, your dentist will establish the cause of sensitivity in your tooth by physical examination in order to rule out any underlying tooth conditions, including tooth decay.

Based on the results of your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend:

A surgical gum graft. For this procedure, your dentist will obtain tissue from your palate and place it in the area where you have tissue loss to treat gum recession.

Desensitizing toothpaste. Your doctor may recommend that you brush your teeth using specific toothpaste available over-the-counter to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Bonding. Your dentist may use a bonding resin to cover any exposed parts of your root.

Fluoride. Your doctor might use fluoride on the surface of sensitive teeth to strengthen your enamel and reduce pain or may prescribe the usage of fluoride at home.

Root canal. Your doctor may recommend this method if you do not respond to the other treatments. This procedure is used to treat your dental pulp and is the most effective treatment for tooth sensitivity.

Guidelines for preventing tooth sensitivity

• Do not use abrasive toothpaste
• Brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Avoid vigorous scrubbing while brushing your teeth
• Use a mouth guard if you grind and clench your teeth
• Limit your intake of acidic foods and carbonated drinks
• Drink plenty of water after taking a sour drink to balance the acid levels.

Do not continue to suffer with tooth sensitivity. Reserve a session with your dentist at Madison Family Dental Group to learn more about the available treatment options for sensitive teeth.

Kamlesh Bakshi