Teeth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems. Generally, tooth sensitivity treatment includes using a specific dental care routine or some simple dental care procedures. There are a few home remedies that work too. But persistent teeth sensitivity can be a symptom of an underlying dental ailment like tooth decay that warrants a visit to the dentist near you. You can check some common symptoms of tooth decay here.
When you have sensitive teeth, there will be sharp and throbbing pain whilst having hot or cold foods. Sour and sugary foods can also irritate a sensitive tooth.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
There are several causes of sensitive teeth, but the most common ones of them include broken teeth, rash brushing, and overconsumption of sugary and acidic foods. Both of these lead to the erosion or damage of the protective enamel on the surface of the tooth. This exposes the bony tissue called dentin lying underneath. Dentin is highly porous and is connected to nerve cells and tubes. Thus, exposed dentin leads to indirect exposure of nerves that in turn causes sensitivity in teeth.
There are several treatments available for teeth sensitivity depending upon the source of your sensitivity. Here we have listed some of the common treatments that your dentist might recommend.
Using a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush and a Desensitising Toothpaste
As already mentioned, harsh or vigorous brushing is one of the common causes of sensitive teeth. Brushing your teeth a little too harshly can damage the tooth’s enamel exposing the dentin that has numerous tiny holes. This makes your teeth more sensitive.
Brushing vigorously can also result in gum recession and exposure to the roots of your teeth. This also often results in sensitivity as the roots are not protected by the enamel.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can prevent further damage to the tooth enamel. However, a soft-bristled toothbrush must accompany an effective and gentle brushing technique. This helps in preserving the surface of your teeth and maintain gum integrity.
Alongside a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle brushing technique, you can manage your sensitive teeth with the usage of specialist desensitising toothpaste. You can try and select from multiple brands to use the one that works best for you. Ideally, you should use it twice a day continually and you will start feeling relief over time.
Dentist Prescribed High Fluoride Treatment
High fluoride treatment or fluoride varnish can help treat tooth sensitivity effectively. Fluoride application can fill those tiny holes in the tooth enamel and prevents dentin exposure. This is because fluoride can naturally re-harden the enamel of your teeth. Besides, high fluoride treatment, dental bonding, or sealant can also be used to strengthen enamel and protect the dentin. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the roots to cover them and help cure sensitive gums and teeth.
Your dentist could also prescribe you high-fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash to treat your sensitive teeth.
Gum Grafting to Cover Exposed Tooth Roots
Gum grafting is a procedure usually employed in more severe cases when the gum recession is severe and dental bonding or sealant proves ineffective. Gum grafting is also called a gingival graft. In this procedure, a piece from the roof of your mouth or near healthy gum tissue is removed and it is used to build up the gum of the affected tooth. This cures sensitivity along with improving gum health.
You can learn and understand more about the gum grafting procedure here in detail.
Root Canal as the Last Resort
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment when all other treatments will be unable to relieve your tooth sensitivity. Root canal treatment is generally necessary when a part within the tooth called pulp has become infected and inflamed. In this procedure, your dentist will remove this infected pulp to save your tooth from further damage and avoid dental implantation. The dentist will then fill the opening with a temporary filling and a permanent filling in the subsequent visit. If you prefer you can also go for a permanent artificial crown.
Certain Home Remedies
Besides the treatment options mentioned above, some home remedies can also be effective in providing relief for sensitive teeth, in less severe cases. These home remedies include:
- Saltwater rinse
- Honey and warm water
- Turmeric
- Vanilla extract
- Oil pulling
- Garlic and/or clove
Thus, you can choose to go for any of the above-mentioned treatment options to treat your teeth’ sensitivity. It is best to consult your dental doctor and follow the treatment as per his recommendations. Besides, it is important to take preventive measures and maintain proper oral health hygiene, so that it prevents further damage and other dental ailments too. Regular dental checkups are vital too to maintaining good oral health overall.
So, if you too are suffering from sensitive teeth or any other dental or oral ailments, contact Complete Smiles for proper consultation, accurate diagnosis, and the best treatment. We are one of the most trusted dental clinics in London with a wide and experienced team of dental care professionals. We make use of only the most advanced technology to provide our patients with the best possible treatment. You can book an appointment online or can directly call us at 020 4541 1150. We also offer video consultations online.
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