You will never forget the day the searing pain hits the nerves in your teeth after eating a spoonful of mint chocolate chip. Your first thought is that you have a cavity, but you’ve been so careful to brush and floss each day! You visit the endodonist on recommendation by your regular dentist. The result: you’ve developed a tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. The endodontist gave you a sample of Sensodyne toothpaste and sent you on your way. So now what?
How did my teeth become sensitive?
Enamel protects the tops of your teeth. You may recall seeing enamel strengthening toothpaste at the grocery store. Some believe that this is just a “marketing gimmick.” Most of these kinds of toothpaste have fluoride in them, which can aid in guarding the enamel. Either way, it is best to avoid acidic food and drink to protect the enamel covering on your teeth. The enamel covers the dentin, which is calcified tissue inside your teeth. If the dentin is uncovered, heat and cold can penetrate the tissue and cause the discomfort you are experiencing. Sometimes, breathing through your mouth for too long can also stimulate the cells in the tooth.
What remedies can I use to treat my sensitivity?
Desensitizing toothpaste is the big factor in treating tooth sensitivity. Its compound makeup blocks sensation that shoots from the top of the tooth to the nerve. Sensodyne is one brand of toothpaste often recommended by dentists to brush with every day to prevent your sensitive teeth from causing agony. If you would like to try another brand, just look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance on the products. If the sensitive toothpaste is not enough, in-office treatments with your dentist can be scheduled to apply a fluoride gel. If any other severe problems occur, your dentist may speak with you about surgical treatments. Generally speaking, sensitive teeth can be treated just by changing toothpaste.
How can I avoid having pain in my teeth?
Here’s the good news: you can still eat ice cream and drink coffee (we know, you need it to survive every morning). Add a little bit more time to your brushing routine and use the right toothpaste. If you brush too quickly and aggressively, it could hurt you more. Make sure you don’t skip out on flossing, either. Schedule regular dental checkups to look for potential periodontal disease (this means your gums will be infected) or tooth decay.
Call Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville if you are experiencing Sensitive Teeth.
Your well-being is important to the professionals of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville. If you’re concerned that you or someone in your family has a cavity, let our friendly and professional staff help restore your dental health. Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.