It’s been a hot summer and most of us like to enjoy cooling treats like ice cream and frozen drinks. But if your teeth are sensitive to cold food and drinks, or to hot items, or to sugary or sour items, indulging in these summer delights can be painful. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that at least 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from sensitive teeth.1 The good news is that there are steps you can take to take to tame that tooth sensitivity.
The most important first step with any type of tooth pain or oral discomfort is to see your dentist.
Upon examining your teeth, your dentist will be able to diagnose what may be causing your tooth sensitivity and can work with you to determine the best course of treatment. There are a number of serious dental issues that can cause teeth to be sensitive. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots.2 You may have a cracked or chipped tooth, a damaged filling, a cavity, or you may have gum disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, making your gums pull back.3 All of these causes of sensitivity can be treated by a dentist.
There are also a number of additional steps you can take to help safeguard your teeth so they don’t become sensitive. Overall you need to treat your tooth enamel well and it will protect your teeth well. Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. It is the hardest tissue in the human body.4 Enamel insulates and protects your teeth from bacteria, chemicals and temperature. Underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin which is connected to nerves inside the teeth. In compromised teeth, those nerves react with pain signals when they encounter heat, cold, acidic or sugary substances.
To keep your enamel tough, learn how to brush your teeth correctly. This includes avoiding brushing back and forth at the gum line and exerting a lot of force when brushing. Instead, using a soft-bristled brush, tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently in an up and down motion at the gum line. Remember to wait more than 20 minutes after eating or drinking before you brush your teeth. This allows your saliva to break down the acid that naturally occurs in your mouth after you eat or drink. Speaking of eating and drinking, while an occasional indulgence is acceptable, a diet that routinely includes soda, sweets and acidic foods and drinks can play havoc on your tooth enamel.
Doing whatever you can to reduce stress can also be important if you tend to clench or grind your teeth. Over time, clenching and grinding wear away your tooth enamel. If you find that you can’t adequately manage your stress, a dentist can fit you for a mouth guard, which is generally worn at night, and which will prevent you from damaging your teeth.
Unfortunately, the popularity of bright white teeth does sometimes come with a price. That price is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity from bleaching is usually temporary. If it becomes problematic, it is best to talk with your dentist to determine a course of action, which most likely will include taking a break from whitening or changing your whitening product. A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that applying a desensitizing gel before whitening significantly reduced tooth sensitivity after treatment.5 Using a desensitizing toothpaste can also help. Be sure to use fluoridated toothpaste for sensitive teeth, not tartar-control toothpaste. Try spreading a thin layer of the desensitizing toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots before bed.6
If your sensitivity occurred after a dental procedure, you might just need to be patient. Teeth can become sensitive after a professional cleaning, root planing, crown replacement and other tooth restoration procedures. Usually the pain will disappear in four to six weeks.7
Tooth sensitivity can be eliminated, or at least lessened to the point that it does not interfere with your enjoyment of an occasional indulgence. Working in collaboration with your dentist to get to the root of the problem is an important first step.
Dr. Sedki and his staff at Sedki Dentistry want you to enjoy life with a healthy mouth and smile. Regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings are highly recommended and routine for good dental health.
Our goal is to work with our patients in achieving and maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile. Call Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp today and schedule a checkup!
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1,5,7 Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Remedies & Treatment, Jessie Szalay, Live Science, 4/20/2018
Link: https://www.livescience.com/44377-sensitive-teeth.html
2 What Causes Sensitive Teeth, and How Can I Treat Them?, Thomas J. Salinas, DDS, Mayo Clinic
Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854
3 What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
Link: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-sensitivity#1
4 Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration
Link: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration#1
6 Teeth Sensitivity: Care and Treatment
Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity/care-and-treatment