Find out the root causes, popular treatments, and preventative measures for tooth sensitivity.
Greetings, the holiday season is almost here! Don’t allow your teeth’s sensitivity to ruin a mug of hot cocoa in front of the fire. In this warm season, learn what causes dental sensitivity and what you can do about it. Let your hygienist with a dental practice in Maryville, TN know if you’re worried about your dental appointment or a particular procedure.
Tooth sensitivity is often brought on by one of these common factors:
- Destruction of Teeth
- Split Teeth
- A disease of the Gums
- Bruxism and enamel wear from clenching and grinding teeth
- Teeth with Exposed Roots
- Wear and tear on the tooth’s protective covering is a common cause of sensitivity. Enamel safeguards the crown, or visible portion, of each tooth. While cementum safeguards the tooth’s vulnerable root beneath the gums.
Dentin is the less thick substance beneath the enamel and centum with tiny hollow canals. When these layers wear away, the dentin canals expose the sensitive nerves inside the tooth to extremes of temperature and acidity, producing pain. Sensitivity can also be caused by gum recession, which exposes the dentin. How it is treated depends on the underlying reason for the hypersensitivity.
Popular methods for alleviating sensitive teeth include:
Certain types of toothpaste, known as “desensitizing toothpaste,” contain ingredients that protect dental nerves from stimuli like hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. Sensitive tooth toothpaste can be purchased over-the-counter or by dentist prescription. Some patients may require repeated toothpaste applications before they feel its full benefit.
Treatment with Fluoride: Strong enamel prevents irritants from reaching the gums and teeth. Enamel is fortified by fluoride, making it a more effective barrier against tooth decay. The most effective method of obtaining the health benefits of fluoride is through in-office treatments.
Restoration of a decayed or damaged tooth might alleviate the sensitivity felt by the patient. After getting a crown, inlay, or filling, most people’s sensitivity quickly goes away.
Root exposure from gum recession can make teeth sensitive; a gum graft can help. Gums can’t regrow on their own, but dentists can insert grafts to cover exposed tooth roots and lessen pain.
When less intrusive methods have failed, root canal therapy might alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by persistent sensitivity. The pulp and nerves of the tooth are surgically removed during this procedure.
