Healthy Fluids

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental condition characterized by a tingling sensation or a quick touch of pain that can affect a tooth or all of your teeth. The pain due to tooth sensitivity can be intermittent or constant. Intermittent tooth sensitivity may occur when you consume cold or hot drinks, food, or when cold air touches your teeth.

What are the Causes and Effects of Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth enamel corrosion is a natural effect of aging, and it has a negative effect on dentin or the primary inner surface of your tooth. Tooth enamel corrosion causes dentin exposure that leads to tooth sensitivity. But, there are more things that can cause tooth sensitivity, including:

1. Gum collapse

2. Drinking acidic drinks like soda causes tooth enamel deterioration, resulting in dentin exposure.

3. Teeth grinding

4. Brushing your teeth with too much pressure. It can damage tooth enamel and cause dentin exposure.

5. Dental treatments like teeth whitening, teeth cleaning, and tooth restorations

6. Gum disease, root nerve damage, and fractured or chipped teeth

What to Do If You Think You Have Tooth Sensitivity

Consulting your dentist is necessary if you frequently experience a tingling sensation. The dentist will examine your mouth to detect the exact cause of the problem. He may use a spray gun, which is an instrument that can dispense air over all of your teeth to locate the affected tooth or teeth.

If a restorative treatment is not necessary for your case, then your dentist will recommend the application of an in-office desensitizer. It is a protective coating that can prevent tooth sensitivity. An in-office desensitizer is easy to apply because it has a sticky base. You may undergo this treatment option on your first visit to your dentist. This protective coating can also help reduce pain during dental treatment.

The in-office desensitizer is a popular treatment option for tooth sensitivity, but there are more other remedies for the pain.

What are the Best Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity?

A home maintenance program may be helpful if you have low-level tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride rinses, toothpaste, and gels. These products are effective in reducing the sensitivity of root nerves. These dental care products can also build a defensive coating on the surface of your sensitive teeth.

For extreme tooth sensitivity, your best treatment option is the in-office desensitizer. It can provide long-lasting relief that will last for months to years. At times, a dentist suggests a non-prescription desensitizer to support the main treatment option. A toothbrush with tooth bristles can also help you avoid tooth sensitivity.

Whatever treatment you choose, seeing a good dentist should be your first step. Look for a trusted dentist near you to get help right away especially if the pain becomes unbearable.