Treating Sensitive Teeth

Details: Published: Tuesday, 18 July 2017 21:40

The Friendly Staff at Aspen Grove Dental Addresses What To Do About Sensitive Teeth

National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July National Ice Cream Day.[dropcap class="dropcap">

Those are the kind of political proclamations everyone can get behind. Even us! But, if you are the one in eight people who suffer from tooth sensitivity, you may think twice about indulging and that’s a shame. So, to help ensure that you get your fair share of this national treasure, we wanted to share with you the top reasons for tooth sensitivity and tips on how to manage it.

Five Common Reasons for Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth are composed of four major elements: enamel, cementum, pulp, and dentin. The pulp resides in the center of a tooth and is surrounded by dentin. Slightly less strong than enamel and consisting of small, hollow tubes that, when left unprotected, lead to painful sensitivity.

You’re probably familiar with enamel. It’s the strongest substance in the human body and it protects the crowns of healthy teeth. Cementum has a similar protective function for your teeth’s roots.

When either of these elements wears away, exposing the dentin, hot, cold, acidic and sweet foods and beverages are able to reach your tooth’s nerves, resulting in sensitivity or even pain.

The most common dental problems associated with sensitive teeth include:

Worn tooth enamel
Cracked or broken teeth
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Receding gums

How to Manage Your Sensitive Teeth

The key to enjoying your ice cream – or coffee, or whatever food or beverage is causing you pain – is to first identify the root cause. You may want to start by experimenting with some of the at-home dental care products available at your nearest pharmacy. Many of these products, like desensitizing toothpaste, have ingredients that block nerve sensations.

If you don’t experience relief from the pain, it’s possible that you have a more severe sensitivity that requires evaluation and treatment that could include:

In-office desensitizing treatments
Fillings, crowns, inlays or bonding
Surgical gum grafts
Root Canals

Remember, your sensitivity is a warning sign that something is affecting your oral health. The sooner you uncover the root cause, the less time it has to cause more serious damage.

And, the more ice cream you can enjoy!