Help for Sensitive Teeth

If you experience pain or discomfort when you consume hot, cold or acidic foods, you may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are a common problem afflicting millions of adults and children. Nevertheless, sensitivity is usually not a serious problem, and there are various ways of bringing you effective relief, some of which can be done at home.

What causes sensitive teeth

The hardest substance in the body, tooth enamel is designed to protect your crowns. When tooth enamel becomes thin, the dentin below it is exposed. Dentin is made up of microscopic tubules or pores, and when unprotected, it acts as a conduit for hot, cold and acidic foods to stimulate nerves deep inside the tooth, causing you pain and discomfort.

Decay, aging, grinding (bruxism), and digestive acids (as in gastric reflux disorder and bulimia) can all cause enamel thinning. Tooth enamel also has a tendency to thin in areas where gums have receded because of periodontal disease or over-brushing. If you are experiencing hypersensitivity at the gumline, it may be because some dentin has become exposed.

Treatments for sensitive teeth

To rule out other causes of your pain such as a fractured tooth or decay, it is important to have a professional exam. If we find that your pain is due to sensitivity, we'll recommend you first try either an over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne, or DenClude, a desensitizing cream that is available only through dental professionals.

Desensitizing creams work by sealing off the exposed dentin so that pain-causing food and drink cannot reach the tooth's nerve center. They should be used twice a day to keep your symptoms under control.

Should the problem persist, we may need to apply a special fluoride gel or a plastic sealing agent to the affected areas. A high-content fluoride mouthwash may also help reduce sensitivity. If your pain is unrelieved, we will refer you to an endodontic specialist for further evaluation.

To read about at-home treatments for sensitive teeth, go to our Products page. If you would like more information about treatment for sensitive teeth, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.

Source: American Dental Association (www.ada.org)