Taking Care of Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are one of the most unpleasant things in life. Eating, drinking, talking, and even breathing in cool air all become painful experiences when you have sensitive teeth. If you are all too familiar with the sharp twinge of a sensitive tooth, know that you are not alone and we have many solutions to treat your symptoms and bring you relief!

 

If you experience tooth pain during or after:

• Drinking cold liquids
• Eating either hot or cold foods
• Breathing in cold air.

If the pain becomes more than you can comfortably live with, you should immediately schedule a visit to Dr. Frankel, as the nerve of your tooth might be exposed and ignoring the symptoms could cause many additional problems.

 

Why are my teeth sensitive?

 

Your gums protect the complex inner structures of your teeth, including the roots and the nerve. If for any reason your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, you’ve lost your protective shield and you experience direct pain from outside factors such as temperature fluctuations. It’s similar to forgetting to use a hot pad to get something out of the oven, and burning your hand. When the gums begin to recede and pull away, the roots lose their protection, and therefore you will feel greater sensitivity in those areas.

 

The roots contain small tubules that lead directly to the nerves of the teeth.  Whenever pressure, heat, or cold elements travel down exposed tubules, the nerves will trigger a feeling of intense pain.  Patients who never complain of sensitivity are the ones whose gums are still firmly in place, performing their intended function.

 

Solutions for sensitive teeth

 

There are many solutions to avoid and provide relief for the painful symptoms of sensitive teeth.

 

1. Keep gums healthy by brushing 2x per day and flossing 1x per day. Don’t forget the importance of professional cleanings either! You can also monitor the pressure you use when brushing your teeth. Many people think that brushing with force is best. While this will certainly clean your teeth, it will cause painful abrasions to your gums. A very effective way of limiting the amount of force applied while brushing is through the use of an electric toothbrush such as the Sonicare Advanced.
2. Use special toothpaste to provide relief to sensitive gums. Several toothpastes available contain potassium nitrate, a chemical which helps reduce the pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity. There are several toothpastes to choose from, Sensodyne being one brand highly recommended by dentists.
3. Use mouthwash containing fluoride to help reduce the symptoms of sensitive teeth.

 

If you start using toothpaste such as Sensodyne and fluoride mouthwash, you’ll notice a big improvement in your teeth and gums.  The sensitivity will begin to go away, giving you almost immediate relief.

 

Of course, if you find that using Sensodyne and fluoride mouthwash still doesn’t help, you should check with Dr. Frankel about other options available to you.  Dental professionals know how to eliminate your sensitivity once and for all, and how to prevent it from coming back.  Tooth sensitivity is something that many of us have to deal with – but now you know there are ways that you can fight back and prevent the pain and discomfort.