Fix tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can arise because of exposed tooth roots or eroded dental enamel, but it can also be the result of other factors, like a chipped or broken tooth, a cavity, a filling that needs to be replaced, or gum disease. Regardless of its cause, tooth sensitivity can make certain regular activities, like eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, unpleasantly uncomfortable or even painful. Because of the wide array of possible causes for tooth sensitivity, if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your teeth, see your dentist. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of your tooth sensitivity, ruling out or planning treatment for any disease or trauma to the teeth.

Depending on the dentist’s assessment, you may receive a recommendation for desensitizing toothpaste. Though it usually takes more than one application to be effective, desensitizing toothpaste can reduce or even eliminate the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. There are many over-the-counter toothpastes available for people with sensitive teeth, and your dentist should be able to recommend one that will suit your needs. Your dentist may also recommend an in-office fluoride treatment, which can help fortify your tooth enamel, thereby reducing pain. You may also be given prescription fluoride and a custom-made tray so that you can apply fluoride to your teeth at home.

If your tooth sensitivity is due to exposed root surfaces, your dentist may opt to treat these by using bonding resin to seal off the sensitive surfaces of the teeth’s roots. This may require a local anesthetic. If there is a deficiency in the amount of gum tissue available to protect your teeth’s roots, you may need a surgical gum-tissue graft. In this minor surgical procedure, a dental specialist will remove a minimal amount of gum tissue from somewhere else in your mouth and graft it over the affected site, protecting your roots and reducing sensitivity. If your tooth sensitivity isn’t resolved by these measures, you may need a root canal. A root canal is a procedure that addresses problems, such as injury or infection, in the soft pulp that fills the inside of the tooth. Because this pulp is rich with blood vessels and nerve endings, it can be a considerable source of tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, a root canal procedure is a highly effective and successful method of treating tooth sensitivity and tooth pain.

Because exposed roots can cause sensitive teeth, it is important to brush your teeth gently and with a soft-bristled brush. Dentists still recommend brushing twice daily and flossing daily, but don’t use too much pressure while brushing the gumline, and try to avoid using an overly abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, which can lead to cracks in the teeth, ask your dentist for a mouth guard. To reduce enamel erosion, rinse out your mouth or drink water after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages, such as wine, citrus fruits and juices, and carbonated beverages like soda. Preserving healthy enamel and healthy teeth overall can help prevent tooth sensitivity from ever starting in the first place.

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