Tooth sensitivity can impact your ability to enjoy foods you love, like ice cream, refrigerated fruit, and hot meals. Understanding tooth sensitivity and taking action to reduce it can help improve your comfort and quality of life.
The dental professionals at Weninger Dentistry can help. We provide treatments that can reinforce your tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. If you have tooth sensitivity in Tampa, Florida, we’re here to help.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity happens when tooth enamel wears down, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny tubes that lead to the nerve, which makes teeth reactive to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods.
Tooth sensitivity may also be linked to gum recession, enamel erosion, or deeper dental problems like cavities or cracks. If your tooth has become suddenly sensitive, this could be an indication of a dental injury or condition that needs treatment.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. Often, patients develop tooth sensitivity over many years as their diet and lifestyle choices contribute to the loss of tooth enamel. Here are some of the causes of tooth sensitivity:
- Acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, tea, and pickles can erode enamel.
- Brushing too hard damages enamel and gums, causing tooth enamel to wear away over time.
- Cracked teeth allow bacteria to irritate nerves and cause tooth sensitivity.
- Gum issues like gum disease or recession expose sensitive roots.
- Certain mouthwashes with acidic formulas may worsen tooth sensitivity.
- Plaque buildup irritates the gum and root surfaces, causing more gum irritation.
- Recent dental work may cause temporary tooth sensitivity. If this happens, your dentist can tell you whether your tooth sensitivity is temporary.
- Grinding teeth wears down tooth enamel.
- Whitening products often lead to increased sensitivity.
Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth
For patients with sensitive teeth, there are many treatment options. Desensitizing toothpaste is available for sale in pharmacies and eases discomfort over time. Your dentist can also provide you with treatment options for sensitive teeth.
- Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel to reduce pain.
- Dental bonding covers exposed root surfaces and can reinforce your tooth enamel.
- Dentin sealants block nerve exposure and can reduce your tooth sensitivity.
- Mouthguards help protect against grinding damage.
Risks of Ignoring Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity starts off as a minor problem, but can get worse with time. Worn-down tooth enamel also increases your risk of cavities and dental infection.
Many patients with severe tooth sensitivity have difficulty eating and drinking comfortably, which can impact their quality of life. If you have tooth sensitivity, don’t wait to get help.
Prevention Tips
There are many things you can do to prevent tooth sensitivity. Brush and floss gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid acidic foods and drinks when possible. Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse, and consider switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings
and exams. If you grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard to protect your tooth enamel.
When to See Your Dentist
See your dentist if you regularly experience pain from hot, cold, or sweet foods, especially if the pain has come on suddenly and is severe.
If your dentist identifies a dental condition like gum disease or a cavity, you’ll be given the next steps for treatment. If your dentist doesn’t identify a specific condition, ask questions to find out what you can do to increase your day-to-day comfort.
- What’s causing my sensitivity?
- Do I need treatment or monitoring?
- What can I do to stop it from getting worse?
- Are there products you’d recommend?
- How often should I schedule cleanings?
Get help for tooth sensitivity in Tampa, Florida. Contact Weninger Dentistry today.