How A Dentist Can Help Treat Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity causes a lot of pain or discomfort as a response to hot or cold temperatures. Tooth sensitivity is associated with tooth decay, and it might be a temporary or a chronic problem that can affect one tooth or several teeth in one person. Hudson Family Dental in Union City, NJ, will offer you tips that can help treat dentin hypersensitivity and provide oral care, thus, helping you treat sensitive teeth.

Here are things you need to know about dentin hypersensitivity and how a dentist can help to treat tooth sensitivity.

• Causes of Sensitive Teeth

The pain or discomfort brought about by sensitive teeth results from worn tooth enamel or tooth roots that are exposed when brushing, eating, and drinking, thereby causing sharp pain in your teeth. There are other factors that cause dentin hypersensitivity like gum diseases, a worn filling, a cracked tooth, or a cavity.

Tooth cavity is caused by frequent snacking; sipping sugary drinks. Sugary drinks and frequent snacking leave dental plaque and this may lead to receding gums and tooth loss. Fluoride treatment can help build strong teeth and prevent cavities.

When a tooth has a crack, there are openings where germs and bacteria penetrate and this results in bacterial infection from plaque leading to inflammation in the pulp of the tooth.

Gum disease leads to gum recession as this will lead to the exposure of the dentin, which protects the enamel. When the protective layer (enamel) on the dentin wears away, the tubules allow heat and cold and acidic or sticky foods to activate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, resulting in sensitivity.

• What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

Some factors can worsen tooth sensitivity. First, brushing your teeth too hard can result in wasting away of your enamel, and this might cause your teeth to be vulnerable to sensitivity. It is advisable to use a soft-bristled brush and brush at an angle of forty-five degrees to your gum, as this will keep your enamel clean and strong.

Acidic foods and drinks like soda, sticky candy, and high sugar carbs can lead to enamel erosion, which guards your tooth’s inner layers against acids. It is better to snack on fiber-rich fruits and veggies, cheese, milk, and plain yogurt for better oral care.

It is also advisable to have a root canal procedure if you have a cracked tooth to prevent dentin hypersensitivity as there are exposed nerve endings.

Taking a vacation from bleaching is also a good idea to keep tooth sensitivity at bay. You can visit a general dentistry near you to learn more about how the treatment affects your teeth. This is imperative as the dentist will assist in determining which treatment plan is good for you and also in evaluating the severity of your infection.

• Sensitivity Treatment

A person suffering from dental sensitivity should try to find the source of the sensation. This is because dentin hypersensitivity can signify other issues like gum disease, naturally shrinking gums, or a cracked tooth or filling.

Gum disease can destroy the enamel promoting the growth of plaque which can make your gums pull back. Gum diseases can be prevented by stopping smoking as this will improve your oral hygiene. Root planing and polishing of the gums can remove tartar and plaque.

Naturally shrinking gums maybe, a result of old age, being over forty years old. Fluoride treatment can strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.

Root canal treatment can help remove an infected tooth or inflamed pulp if your tooth sensitivity is very intense or has affected a large portion of your tooth. There are also fillings that can help cover exposed roots.

• Consult with Your Dentist

This is the best thing to do when you are not sure what is causing your tooth sensitivity. Consulting with your dentist in Union City, NJ will help you figure out what is causing dentin hypersensitivity, and they will offer the best treatment plan for your tooth or teeth. The dentist will monitor your progress and notify you whether the treatment is working or whether to use other treatment plans.