Sensitive teeth is also known as dentin hypersensitivity in the dental realm. This common but painful condition occurs when the inner layer of the tooth gets exposed. This is called the dentin – and when exposed – can cause sensitive teeth and pain. This usually occurs due to receding gums, and symptoms can worsen with sharp pain and pressure. Similarly, it can be difficult to consume hot or cold beverages. However, there are several treatment options for sensitive teeth, and only licensed and dedicated dentists can tackle and resolve this dental issue.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with sensitive teeth, your dentist will discuss a range of treatment options and remedies. This includes de-sentizing agents, fillings and sealants that help reduce pain and sensitivity. Similarly, you will learn about proper oral hygiene – which includes brushing and flossing techniques. This helps combat teeth sensitivity, while restoring natural enamel and shine to your teeth. Fluoride I also used to tackle teeth pain, and helps reduce bacterial agents in the gum line and teeth as well.
Medications for Sensitive Teeth
Dentists also prescribe topical anti-septic solutions for patients with sensitive teeth. These medications help alleviate pain, while reducing inflammation stemming from swollen or receding gums. Similarly, dental fillings or dental implants may be needed for any open cavities or exposed dentin. The latter can impact your smile, while making it difficult to consume certain foods and beverages – especially if they are extremely hot or cold. Never desensitization techniques are also applied by leading dentists and dental health care experts. These are also pivotal in reducing pain, while restoring teeth and gums back to normal and functional settings.
How many Cases are there?
Sensitive teeth affect 3 million people in the US each year. However, it mainly affects seniors that are 60 years of age and older. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, you must consult with a dental health care professional at once. With years of extensive dental experience, dentists are able to analyze and assess your teeth sensitivity issues. They also take plenty of scans and imaging, which pinpoints and addresses the exact areas of pain. Dentists may also perform deep-cleaning, which helps remove plaque build-up across the teeth. Similarly, they may apply composites which help avoid root canal procedures. However, it all depends on how many teeth’s dentin are exposed, along with the severity of the pain and distress of the teeth as a whole.
What to Avoid with Sensitive Teeth
You should definitely avoid cold beverages and food if you have sensitive teeth. This includes ice cream, along with soft drinks with ice and even ice water. Similarly, you may need to avoid hot coffee and tea, which can also have the same impact as cold drinks. With over 40 million adults in the USA with tooth sensitivity issues, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends dental checkups right away. Dentists will carefully examine the root and underlying causes of teeth pain, along with a precise and concise diagnosis.
How to Prepare for Teeth Sensitivity Treatments
There are no formal preparations needed for teeth sensitivity treatments. In fact, it’s as easy as going to your dentist and having him or her check the problems out. However, the more you know about this common issue, the better prepared and educated you are about treatment options. As mentioned earlier, the origins of dentin hypersensitivity stems from exposed dentin due to receding gums. Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. The hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown area of your tooth.
The dentin extends down to the root of your mouth, and is protected by a layer of cementium. When the dentin gets exposed due to poor oral hygiene, the result is pain and sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages. Nerve irritation also occurs whenever the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementium. This makes the teeth super sensitive to acidic and sticky foods as well.
More Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
While receding gums is the main causes of teeth sensitivity, this common dental condition can happen due to other reasons as well. This includes but is not limited to:
• Worn teeth enamel due to hard toothbrushes and improper brushing techniques.
• Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages.
• Tooth decay, broken teeth, and worn leaky fillings that have exposed the dentin on the teeth.
• Grinding your teeth at night due to TMJ, sleep apnea or other common dental and respiratory issues.
• Post dental treatment sensitivity – due to crowns, fillings, and especially teeth-whitening and bleaching procedures.
Primary Dental Treatments
Speaking with your dentist is the first step towards a comprehensive and cohesive treatment plan. Your dentist will ask questions about teeth discomfort, along with describing your symptoms in a detailed manner. This helps him or her formulate a strategic care plan, which may include therapies, remedies, procedures and even warm compresses.
Once your dentist determines the exact root and underlying causes of your teeth pain, he or she will able to treat the issue at its core. This may include fixing cavities, along replacing worn fillings. However, more extensive treatments may be needed for bleeding, receding or swollen gums. Similarly, the dentist will check your root surfaces – and may even recommend a periodontist for additional root surface care and support.
Anti-sensitivity Teeth Products
Dentists may also recommend the best anti-sensitivity products for patients. This includes the right toothpastes, along with floss and even mouthwash. This helps establish proper oral hygiene on a daily basis, which is essential in preventing cavities, root canals and plaque build-up. Painful teeth sensitivity should not be ignored or dismissed. In fact, the pain will not go away, and it’s crucial to see your dentist at once. This is the only way to catch problems early before they turn into cavities and root canal problems. For more information on treatment options, simply contact your local dentist today. You can also check Google for more information on teeth-sensitivity issues, along with the symptoms and treatments options available for restoring solace and relief.