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Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity
Introduction:
We have compiled this article on “Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity.” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.
[1]When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. However, tooth discomfort is sometimes caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.
If you’re bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain. Depending on the circumstances, your dentist might recommend:
- Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
- Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.
- Desensitizing or bonding. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
- Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.
To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Use gentle strokes rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing, and avoid using abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. Tooth grinding can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity.
You might also consider taking care when eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and wine — all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth.
[2]Home Remedies For Sensitive Teeth
Pain Relief For Sensitive Teeth
Regular dental appointments are just as important as doctor appointments, especially if you begin to experience consistent toothaches after eating cold foods or beverages. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 40 million people in the United States experience tooth sensitivity.
Finding the source of your sensitivity is important to recommending treatment. To ease the pain, there are some home remedies you can try until your next dental appointment.
8 Home Remedies For Pain Relief
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds that help to shield nerve endings from irritants. The most active ingredient is potassium nitrate, a compound that blocks pain signals from your tooth’s nerve to your brain.
After a few uses, your sensitivity will reduce. Dentists also recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-acid or fluoride mouth rinses.
Salt Water Rinse
Salt is an effective antiseptic, and it can also help to reduce inflammation. To alleviate pain symptoms from sensitive teeth, gargle with a saltwater rinse twice daily. To use a salt water rinse:
- Add ½ to ¾ tsp salt to a glass of lukewarm water and mix well.
- Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
- Spit out the solution.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant. It is commonly used to help sterilize cuts, burns and other wounds to prevent infection. You can also use peroxide as a mouth rinse to heal gums and prevent inflammation. To use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse:
- Add two caps of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to equal parts of warm water.
- Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
- Spit out the solution.
- Rinse your mouth with water afterwards to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!
Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental
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