Does the thought of taking a big bite of ice cream make you cringe? While ice cream is a dessert enjoyed by all, it is less enjoyable if your teeth are sensitive. Hypersensitivity can vary from mild to severe pain when brushing teeth, flossing, or eating foods that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or sour.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Your tooth becomes sensitive when the tissues protecting it (namely enamel) wear or crack, exposing the weaker, underlying tissue surrounding the nerve. This exposure can be caused by:
- Tooth decay
- Fractures
- Worn fillings
- Exposed tooth root
- Teeth grinding
- Gum disease
What Are The Treatments For Tooth Sensitivity?
You don’t have to live with the pain of sensitive teeth. Speak with your dentist about possible treatments, which may include:
- Treating the cause for tooth sensitivity (filling a cavity, deep cleaning for gum disease, etc.)
- Using a desensitizing toothpaste which blocks transmissions of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
- Having a fluoride gel applied to strengthen the tooth enamel.
- Undergoing root canal treatment to remove the tooth nerve (if no other treatment has worked)
What Ways Are There To Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
No one wants to deal with the pain of tooth sensitivity, so prevent it from developing by:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Flossing daily to clean out food and plaque from between teeth.
- Visiting your dentist regularly so they can give you a professional cleaning and keep an eye on the health of your mouth.
- Keeping a healthy diet by avoiding sugary or acidic foods that could harm teeth.