Blog Highlights
- Sensitive teeth are usually noticeable when brushing, eating or drinking
- Desensitizing toothpaste can help to block the pain associated with sensitive teeth
- For severe pain, we may recommend a root canal
Sensitive teeth are a common complaint among our dental patients at our Orem, Utah office. At some point in your life, you’re likely to experience a sensitive tooth or sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are usually noticeable when brushing, eating or drinking and often you’ll feel a sharp, temporary pain.
Tooth pain can be caused by many things such as cavities, cracks, chips, and loose fillings. In these cases, you might want to consider taking advantage of our emergency dentistry services. Another serious, but less urgent cause is gum disease, and you should make an appointment to speak with your dentist as soon as possible. However, in most cases, sensitive teeth are a direct result of eroded enamel or an exposed root. Once we identify the problem, there are several possible solutions:
Desensitizing toothpaste can help to block the pain associated with sensitive teeth. This is recommended for patients who have weak or worn enamel. You can purchase this type of toothpaste at your local drugstore and should use it regularly.
We might also prescribe additional fluoride. This can be applied to the specific areas of your teeth, which are sensitive. Fluoride can help reduce the pain and strengthen tooth enamel. There are several ways to distribute fluoride to your teeth, and at our Orem Utah dental practice we can advise you on the best method for your mouth.
If your tooth sensitivity is caused by an exposed root, you may need bonding. By applying a bonding resin to the exposed root surfaces, we can effectively protect the roots and stop the pain. In most cases an anesthetic will be needed in order to successfully apply the resin.
For exposed tooth roots coupled with gum recession or the loss of gum tissue, we may need to perform a surgical gum graft. This is where we take a small amount of gum tissue from somewhere else in your mouth and attach it to the area where your gums have receded. This procedure is surgical and more invasive then the previous methods discussed, but it neatly and definitively covers the exposed roots and ensures a reduction in sensitivity.
For severe pain, we may recommend a root canal. A root canal is when the problem is within the soft dental pulp inside the tooth. By removing this pulp, your sensitivity will be completely eliminated. This is another extensive procedure, but it is considered one of the most successful solutions for severe and persistent tooth sensitivity.
In order to prevent tooth sensitivity, so that you don’t have to go through any of the above procedures, take care of your teeth. Pay special attention to your diet. Foods and drinks with high levels of sugar and acidity, such as citrus, carbonated sodas, and alcohol, can eat away at your enamel. Consider using a straw to limit exposure to your teeth. We advise that you drink water after eating or drinking acidic foods and drink. The water can help wash away excessive acidic and restore the natural acid levels in your mouth.
Additionally, brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure you always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently. Rough bristles and aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion. Avoid abrasive toothpastes and use fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride helps keep your teeth strong. Flossing is important and should be done at least once a day. If you grind your teeth, consider investing in a mouth guard. Tooth grinding can lead to enamel erosion and fractured teeth, which will eventually lead to tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity should not be ignored. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, we recommend visiting our dental office in Orem, Utah. Our professionals can help determine the cause of your sensitivity and advise you on the best course of treatment. If your sensitivity is sudden and extreme, take advantage of our emergency dentistry services.
