Sensitive Tooth: Tooth Desensitization And Other Treatments

Sometimes you’ll never know if you have sensitive teeth until you feel that startling pang in your mouth. Tooth sensitivity is usually left untreated because most patients endure it believing that the discomfort will eventually go away. However, if every time you brush your teeth, eat cold foods, or indulge in the hot soup you suddenly twitch, it’s time for tooth desensitization. 

Tooth desensitization

Desensitizing the teeth is a process that aims to relieve the patient from dental pain or sensitivity. Aside from the fact that the discomfort is bothersome, it’s frustrating not to be able to enjoy the food you love to eat or drink. This also hinders the patient to perform good oral hygiene as brushing or flossing the teeth can also feel uncomfortable.

Causes of tooth sensitivity

There are varying causes of why patients get sensitive teeth. Basically, it happens when the nerves inside the tooth root become exposed to hot or cold, or touch. This is the logic behind the sharp pain you feel whenever you eat ice cream or drink hot tea.  

Smoking, and eating too much acidic food like sweets, soda, and processed foods can thin down your teeth enamel. In the same way, aggressively brushing your teeth and grinding them together also wears down your bites. It’s best to avoid these practices and instead find a healthier alternative or manage it. 

Treatments

Depending on the case, some patients find their teeth sensitivity to go away eventually even without remedy. However, if the pain persists you should do something about it. Sometimes, dental pain is a symptom of infection in the gums or teeth. Periodontal disease is a severe case of infection that is life-threatening if ignored. 

Here are some common dental treatments that your dentist might recommend to get rid of your teeth sensitivity:

Fluoride treatment

The application of fluoride on the teeth can strengthen its enamel and protect the tooth roots. Fluoride also helps in reducing the sensitivity the patients feel. Some dentists prescribe fluoride treatment so patients may continue the treatment at home. 

Desensitizing toothpaste

Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste brand that has desensitizing properties. Continuous use of this product will help in protecting the tooth to prevent food from causing teeth sensitivity.

Dental bonding

Bonding is a process of applying a composite material to the tooth to restore its looks and function. While tooth bonding is usually done for cosmetic purposes, it helps to cover the surfaces around the root area which might be exposed. 

Gum grafting

Another reason why your tooth nerves become vulnerable is due to gum recession or deterioration. Since there is a lack of gums, the tooth root is left uncovered. A surgical gum graft is a process of getting soft tissues on the roof of the mouth to use it to cover the affected site.

Root canal therapy

One of the causes of dental pain is an infection in the tooth chamber. To treat this, the dentist performs root canal therapy. This surgical procedure creates a hole on the affected tooth to access the root and clear away the decaying tooth pulp from the inside. 

How to prevent teeth sensitivity?

Most patients who have experienced teeth sensitivity regrets not being serious about their oral hygiene routine. Suffice to say, this kind of dental issue could easily have been prevented with regular teeth cleaning and dental visit. Here are more tips for keeping your oral health: 

• Brush your teeth twice every day. Once a day brushing will not be enough as you eat meals at least three times daily. Make it a habit to brush your teeth after eating.  
• Floss at least once a day. Sometimes, the toothbrush can’t reach some parts of the mouth and teeth. To make sure that you get rid of plaque, carefully use floss in between your teeth. 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you use a toothbrush with hard bristles, this eventually damages the tooth enamel. Choose a product that’s more gentle to your teeth and gums.
• Avoid tooth decay-causing foods. Acidic foods, such as sweets are a primary cause of tooth decay. Minimize or avoid eating or drinking candies, cakes, fruit juices, and sodas.
• Use fluoridated mouthwash. Find a mouthwash that has fluoride in one of its ingredients. Fluoride will help in protecting your teeth from the attacks of acid found in the food you eat. 

Manage teeth grinding. Bruxism or teeth grinding has more underlying issues than just broken or sensitive teeth. Talk to your London dentist about how you can effectively manage this condition and live a healthier life.

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