treating tooth sensitivity Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that about 40 million Americans suffer from teeth sensitivity. Pain or discomfort in the teeth each time the trigger (something hot or cold or even pressure) is activated characterizes this problem. If you are one of the millions who suffer from teeth sensitivity, don’t despair. Our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI reassures you that this condition can be managed. Here are some of the suggestions you can implement to get relief from teeth sensitivity.

Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Your first step in managing sensitive teeth is by implementing the advice that your dentist in Sterling Heights MI recommends. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once each day. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because one with hard bristles is counterproductive. This is due to the potential damage it can cause to your gums and teeth. It is also advisable to replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as you notice the bristles are aging. When you improve your oral hygiene habits, any bacteria that was damaging your teeth and gums resulting in tooth sensitivity will be killed and you could notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Get a Desensitizing Toothpaste

There are toothpastes that are specifically designed to reduce teeth sensitivity. You might, therefore, want to talk to a dentist at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI for advice as to whether a desensitizing toothpaste could help your situation. An example of a desensitizing toothpaste is Sensodyne.

Go Slow on Acidic Drinks and Foods

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI caution that any acidic drink or food you consume can only make a case of sensitive teeth worse. This is because the acidic substances, such as citrus fruits, soda, and processed carbs make tooth enamel soft and prone to erosion. This ultimately worsens sensitivity. To improve your symptoms, it is best to lay off acidic foods and drinks. If you must take an acidic drink, use a straw so that the drink has minimal contact with your teeth.

Don’t Whiten Your Teeth

If you have been using teeth whitening products and realized that your teeth became sensitive, forego using those products. This is because you could be one of the people who are sensitive to the ingredients in the whitening product.

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg FL, explains that some at-home teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity when they are used for longer than is recommended or in a way that differs from the instructions of the manufacturer. Putting a halt to the teeth whitening process will cause the sensitivity to reduce.

Get Help for Bruxism

The teeth sensitivity you are experiencing could also be as a result of teeth grinding (bruxism). Dentists in Sterling Heights MI say that many people who suffer from this condition don’t know they do because it happens while they are asleep. If you suspect you do this, talk to your dentist about your suspicions. Our experts may give you a mouth guard or other device to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. This could result in a reduction in the teeth sensitivity that you feel.

Forego the Mouthwash

Some people develop teeth sensitivity after using over-the-counter mouthwash brands that are acidic. If the enamel is damaged, the acidic mouthwash can attack the softer dentin, which causes teeth sensitivity to worsen. You may have to talk to your dentist about the different oral care products that you use, especially mouthwash. This way any possible culprit can be identified and replaced with something tooth-friendly.

See Your Dentist Frequently

When you visit Dental One Care on a regular basis, the professionals at our office will identify any potential problems that trigger teeth sensitivity. If teeth sensitivity has been giving you problems, contact us today and we will get to the bottom of it.

Do you feel a sharp and painful sensation when you eat or drink hot or cold or acidic foods or drinks? Does brushing your teeth or flossing cause occasional pain? If you experience these conditions, then you may suffer from teeth sensitivity.

At Dental One Care, we provide you with effective remedies and treatment options to treat tooth sensitivity.

What are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common condition and nearly half of the global population experiences it at one time or another. Some of the common causes of tooth sensitivity are the following:

Decay of your tooth (or development of cavities)
Damaged tooth or teeth
Worn out fillings
Wear and tear
Worn teeth enamel
The exposed root of a tooth

There is an enamel layer on the surface of your teeth that protects the part of your teeth above the gums. Inside the gums, there is a thin layer known as ‘cementum’, which protects the roots of your teeth. Beneath the enamel and cementum lies dentin.

Dentin has microscopic tubules. When the protective tooth covering the enamel and cementum is lost, hot or cold or acidic foods or drinks reach the nerves as well as cells inside your tooth through microscopic tubules. These exposed areas of the root trigger hypersensitivity in your tooth. This is often because of receding gums or some periodontal disease.

If you have sensitive teeth, it is important to consult your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to prevent any further damage to your teeth and gums. Dr. Farhat recommends the best available treatment option for sensitive teeth.

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about treating tooth sensitivity. Dr. Kacos recommended the following treatment options. However, the choice of treatment depends mainly on the cause of sensitivity.

Use of Desensitizing Toothpaste: There are many types of desensitizing toothpaste available on the market. These have ingredients that block sensations from the surface of your tooth toward the nerves. However, several applications are needed before you experience a reduction in sensitivity.
Fluoride Gel Treatment: It is an in-office treatment performed at Dental One Care which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and significantly decreases sensations to your nerves.
Bonding or Crown Inlay: These treatments are recommended when you have a decaying tooth or have a tooth flaw that causes sensitivity.
Root Canal Treatment: If you are experiencing severe tooth sensitivity persistently and all other treatments fail to reduce it, Dr. Farhat at Sterling Heights Dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. This helps treat tooth sensitivity issue.

Is it Possible to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

Yes, you can prevent tooth sensitivity by adopting regular oral hygiene to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. This prevents the risk of development of periodontal problems and receding gums. Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care recommends regularly brushing your teeth along with flossing after every meal and use of low corrosion toothpaste which helps reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity significantly.