What to Do About Teeth Sensitivity
If you experience a sudden, shooting pain in your tooth whenever you drink a hot or cold beverage, or you eat something sweet or sour, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. It can affect a single tooth or many teeth at once, and it can make normal eating and drinking extremely difficult. Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by recession of gum tissue that exposes underlying dentin and allows access to your tooth's root. The root contains many tiny tubes that lead to the pulp, which is where your tooth's sensory nerves are located. The open channels permit temperature shifts and sweet or sour foods to register as pain.
13 Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
- Recent dental work
- Normal aging
- Everyday wear and tear
- Long-term use of acidic mouthwash
- Acidic foods
- Whitening products
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Brushing too hard
- Gum disease
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Tooth decay at the gum line
- Plaque buildup
- Whitening products
Proper Dental Care for Teeth Sensitivity
Understanding what to do with sensitive teeth can help you relieve the discomfort. The following dental care tips can help you manage your symptoms.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss every day.
- Brush gently around your gums.
- Use an over-the-counter toothpaste made for tooth sensitivity.
- Use a mouth guard to control teeth grinding.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
See Your Dentist in Owings Mills
If trying to manage your symptoms at home isn't working, make an appointment with your dentist for professional treatment. Effective in-office treatments include varnishes and dentin sealers to protect exposed tooth roots and white fillings or dental bonding applied over the problem areas.
To learn about our family dentistry practice in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.
Valley Dental Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Owings Mills. With 10 affiliated practices throughout Owings Mills, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Valley Dental Associates, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Valley Dental Associates.
