If you experience tooth pain when eating hot or cold treats, you are not alone!
Forty percent of adults aged 20-50 suffer from sensitive teeth. It is a common issue that people face every day, but what causes it and how can it be stopped?
Many Factors Can Increase the Sensitivity of Your Teeth
Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay can be the cause of your tooth sensitivity. Plaque buildup will eventually cause cavities, or holes in your tooth enamel. When this happens, nerves are no longer protected, and pain is often caused by hot or cold temperatures.
Worn Enamel
Worn enamel is sometimes due to aggressive brushing or even grinding your teeth, and can make nerve roots vulnerable exasperating tooth pain.
Worn Fillings
As fillings get older, sometimes gaps form around them that allow hot or cold temperatures to overstimulate the dental nerve causing pain.
Gum Recession
If your gums are receding, you may experience sensitivity of your teeth. Because the enamel around the roots of your teeth is thinner than compared to the crowns, the underlying nerves are exposed and may cause pain.
How Can We Help?
Regular dentist appointments every six months are suggested for overall dental health, but are especially important when experiencing pain or sensitivity. Dentists are experts at troubleshooting your tooth sensitivity and can provide you relief for your dental pain.
Sensitive Tooth Toothpaste
Getting ahead of tooth sensitivity can be as easy as changing your toothpaste. Let your dentist recommend the toothpaste option that is right for you to treat sensitivity as well as keep your enamel healthy. By switching to an enamel boosting toothpaste, you can reduce the risk of sensitive teeth while enjoying the food and beverages you love.
Fluoride
Fluoride can help with thinning enamel and a stronger fluoride toothpaste can be prescribed to boost the health of enamel, and ward away sensitive teeth.
Fillings or Crowns
If needed, filling cavities or placing crowns are used to rebuild enamel and keep the nerve protected. If the nerve itself has developed an infection, a root canal may be needed to remove it. All of these procedures are safely and comfortably done by your dentist, and can provide instant relief for sensitive teeth.
Gum Graft
If your tooth sensitivity is being caused by gum disease or recession, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Don’t suffer from tooth pain and sensitivity any longer!
The best option when facing tooth sensitivity is to visit your dentist as soon as possible! Dr. Lemon and his team will identify the culprit and provide a solution that will get you eating your ice cream pain free in no time. Come in and see us soon, and start enjoying all of your favorite snacks again!