Sensitive Teeth Treatment Q&A

Tooth sensitivity is type of oral pain caused when the protective dentin and enamel layers around the teeth start to thin. As this protective shell breaks down, the sensitive inners of the tooth become exposed. This can lead to pain that travels through the teeth and down into the gums, soft tissue, and jaw.
 
Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of another problem taking place within the mouth. This can include issues such as cavities, gum disease, loose fillings, chips or cracks in the tooth, or abscesses. It may also be the result of brushing your teeth and gums too aggressively.   

Tooth sensitivity can come on quickly and for several different reasons. The most common is when the protective layer of enamel and dentin around the tooth begins to thin, leaving the sensitive interior of the tooth exposed to external stimuli (such as food, drinks, etc).
 
However, sensitive teeth can also be the result of:

– Brushing your teeth too aggressively
– Poor oral hygiene
– Regularly consuming acidic foods and/or drinks
– A poor quality diet
– Receding gums
– Gum disease
– Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth
– Oral abscesses
– Grinding your teeth
– Overusing teeth whitening products
– Plaque buildup
– Using heavily acidic mouthwash
– Aging
– Genetics
 
It’s important to do periodic oral checks at home to ensure there are no noticeable changes in the mouth. This includes the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding areas. However, routine dental checkups every 6-12 months are just as important as they are extremely beneficial form of preventative care that can prevent more serious issues from developing later down the line. 
 
While some tooth sensitivity will resolve on its own, pain that lasts more than a week should be discussed with your dentist. They’ll be able to help you identify where the discomfort is coming from and craft a treatment plan to get you back to feeling your best.

There are many treatment options available for those who are suffering from sensitive teeth, each one made to address the root cause of the sensitivity.

The most common recommendations that a dentist will make are:

– Using a desensitizing toothpaste
– Transitioning to a soft brush head
– Fluoride treatments
– Desensitizing or bonding procedures
– A surgical gum graft
– A root canal
– Fixing any chips or cracks in the teeth
– Replacing any missing or loose fillings
 
Once the treatment has been successful, your dental professional will outline certain measures to prevent sensitivity from reoccurring. This often includes things like brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing daily, and using a low-acidity mouthwash. It may also include using a mouth guard if you’re prone to griding your teeth, paying closer attention to your intake of acidic foods and drinks, and using a straw when sipping acidic drinks to minimize their contact with your teeth.

While sensitive teeth can be a symptom of an infection, it doesn’t always mean that’s what’s taking place inside the mouth.
 
Tooth sensitivity is most commonly indicative of tooth erosion which can be caused by dietary choices, poor oral hygiene, brushing too hard, grinding your teeth, genetics, age, and many other factors.
 
However, you may be experiencing infection-related tooth pain if you’re experiencing dull, achy discomfort or sharp and throbbing pain. It’s always recommended that you contact your dentist if this is the case as infections can grow and become increasingly problematic if left untreated.
 
If you’re experiencing any kind of oral discomfort, contact our team at Modern Family Dentistry. Our specialists are committed to providing the highest quality of care so that you can return to doing what it is that you love. Start combatting your sensitive teeth today and book in for an appointment at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Newnan GA, Sargent GA, White Oak GA, Raymond GA, Arnco Mills GA, Madras GA, and Yates GA.