Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
Sudden tooth sensitivity can make anyone worry, especially if you’re not sure where it’s coming from or why it’s happening. There’s no need to spiral and imagine the worst just yet, however, as our Canton, MI, dentists are here to help. We can examine your teeth thoroughly and use our findings to formulate a treatment plan.
Here are the most common symptoms associated with and what the cause of your discomfort may be.
Expected Symptoms
One of the biggest signs of sensitive teeth is radiating pain, much like a toothache. More specifically, the discomfort is at the roots of the affected teeth. This will feel like a deeper pain that goes beyond what’s at the surface.
Sensitivity becomes more obvious when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Cold air, brushing and flossing teeth, or using alcohol-based mouthwash can also result in discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to intense and appear when triggered.
Tooth Sensitivity Causes
Because is a commonly shared condition, several factors could be at play. Some individuals even experience tooth sensitivity naturally due to age. Our dentists will need to inspect your teeth and gums to determine what the exact cause is before we move forward.
Oftentimes, sensitive teeth can be a direct result of:
- An exposed tooth root
- Worn tooth enamel
- Fractured teeth
- Fillings that are worn or damaged
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Aggressive brushing
- Teeth grinding or clenching at night
- Regular consumption of acidic foods or beverages
Recommended Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are ways to treat sensitive teeth. The caveat, however, is that the treatment depends on the cause of the sensitivity. Our dentists will need to perform a dental exam to look closer inside your mouth.
What we find during the examination will then influence the ultimate decision on treatment. If you have mild tooth sensitivity, we may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or a softer toothbrush. A fluoride gel applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel may also prove helpful.
Severe cases of tooth sensitivity may require a:
- Gum graft for receding gums
- Root canal
- Custom-made night guard to discourage grinding
Underlying medical conditions contributing to sensitivity should also be treated separately to prevent further damage to enamel.
How to Get In Front of Tooth Sensitivity
Assuming you are not predisposed to sensitive teeth, there are ways to prevent the condition altogether. You may have to make a lifestyle adjustment, such as watching the foods that you eat. Other tips are easy, like regularly practicing oral hygiene habits.
Tooth enamel serves as the hard, protective layer for your teeth. When this covering wears down, the layer beneath your enamel, dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is less dense and contains small, hollow tubules. Exposed tubules allow cold, hot, or acidic food and beverages to better reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes sensitivity.
Try the following to prevent tooth sensitivity:
- Don’t brush too hard and use a soft toothbrush
- Limit your consumption of acidic foods or drinks, i.e., soda, candy
- Seek treatment for teeth clenching or grinding to protect enamel
- Ask our dentists about current or future teeth whitening treatment as it can result in sensitivity
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily
- Stay away from grittier, abrasive toothpastes
Find Relief From Nagging Tooth Sensitivity
Our , are no strangers to sensitive teeth which means you’re in the right place for treatment! Call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667-4941 or contact us online to uncover the cause behind your smile sensitivity.