Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity
Having sensitive teeth might make it challenging to do some tasks such as cleaning your teeth or eating and drinking because they lead to intense, momentary discomfort in your teeth. When teeth become sensitive, it is usually because the enamel has worn away or the roots have become exposed. Other causes include cavities, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, your dentist will help you figure out if your tooth discomfort has an underlying cause. Depending on the conditions, your dentist may prescribe one of the following:
Desensitizing toothpaste
Pain linked with sensitive teeth can occasionally be relieved by using desensitizing toothpaste regularly after many applications. Over-the-counter kinds of toothpaste for sensitive teeth are available in a wide range of formulations. Inquire with your dentist about which product could be the most effective for you.
Fluoride.
Your dentist may recommend that you have fluoride applied to the sensitive regions of your teeth to build tooth enamel and minimize discomfort. They can also recommend that patients utilize prescription fluoride at home, administered through a specialized tray. Toothpaste containing stannous fluoride acts as a barrier to preserve the exposed soft, inner portion of the tooth known as dentin. Essentially, this ‘shield’ serves to prevent pain-inducing substances, such as cold soda, from reaching the nerves within your teeth and producing discomfort.
Gum grafting surgery
Suppose the gum tissue around your tooth root has been lost. In that case, a small quantity of gum tissue can be removed from another part of your mouth and connected to the afflicted area. This can help to protect exposed roots while also decreasing sensitivity.
Root Canal
If you are in extreme pain due to sensitive teeth and nothing seems to be working, your dentist might recommend a root canal procedure. This procedure treats problems originating in your tooth’s pulp. While it may seem like a huge procedure, it is one of the most commonly sought-after treatments to get past tooth sensitivity.
What Can You Do?
You don’t have to live with sensitive teeth. There are some things you can try at home too.
- Use a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth
- Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles
- Don’t brush too hard
- If you have a habit of unconsciously clenching your teeth in your sleep, use a mouthguard
- If you don’t have mouthwash, you can make one with salt and water for the time being. The salt helps balance the pH levels in your mouth and reduce bacterial growth
- If you suspect bacterial growth in your mouth, use coconut oil. Swishing about a tablespoon of coconut out for a few minutes in your mouth can help calm the sensitive regions in your teeth
- Cloves and clove oil can also help with sensitive teeth as they have anti-bacterial properties that eliminate the growth of bacteria and plaque in your mouth
- Avoid foods high in sugar or acid to keep your teeth healthy.
Sensitive teeth are difficult to deal with but that does not mean they cannot be treated. If you are suffering from this pain, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.