How Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?
By Peter Griffith | Published on July 29, 2010 | 0 Comments
Imagine for a minute that you’ve bitten into an ice pop that had just come out of the freezer with your two front teeth. Are you done quivering yet? That sharp pain that sends a shiver to your jaw and down your spine is similar to what people with extremely sensitive teeth feel on a regular basis. However, instead of steering clear of anything that is too hot or too cold, there are solutions readily available for sensitive teeth sufferers—and they start at your dentist’s office.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
According to Peter Griffith D.D.S., a family dentist in Sunnyvale, California and one-half of Griffith Family Dental, the first step to treating a patient with sensitive teeth is to understand why it’s happening in the first place. Surprisingly, Dr. Griffith explains, having sensitive teeth isn’t all that uncommon, and is likely caused by either very thin enamel on the surface of your teeth or exposed roots. If your gums start to recede for any number of reasons, including gum disease, poor oral maintenance, and brushing too forcefully, it will start to expose the root surface of your teeth. This, in turn, makes the roots very susceptible and sensitive to the foods you consume and beverages you drink. Dr. Griffith explains that if you want to give yourself an at-home test for root exposure, start by running a fingernail along the front of your tooth up towards your gums. If you feel a little notch between your tooth and gum line, it is an indicator that your roots are exposed.
Another common cause for sensitive teeth is teeth grinding that occurs during your sleep. Since you are probably not aware that you are grinding your teeth throughout the night, which can sometimes get pretty aggressive, over time you will start to wear down the enamel that protects your teeth. Once the enamel starts to get too thin, you will definitely notice an increased sensitivity to everything that you put in your mouth.
How Are Sensitive Teeth Treated?
Even though a particularly sensitive tooth may be misinterpreted as a cavity, Dr. Griffith says that the sharp jolt of pain you feel is actually your tooth sending a message of discomfort to your brain. The first step to solving an issue where the roots have been exposed is to essentially clog the receptors that register pain in your teeth. Fluoride, which is commonly used in your dental appointment, works great and acts almost as a primer on the walls of your teeth, Dr. Griffith explains. When you return home from your visit, he also recommends switching to toothpaste that is marketed for treating sensitive teeth. The pastes have added fluoride and other chemicals that essentially act like a barrier around the area of your gums that meets your teeth, thus preventing the sharp tinges of pain you once felt.
If you continue to suffer even after a fluoride treatment and daily use of toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, Dr. Griffith urges you to return to your dentist for a stronger fluoride varnish. In particularly serious cases where the enamel is extremely worn down, your dentist may recommend putting a bonding on your tooth that will add a protective layer where your enamel once was.
The important thing to remember, Dr. Griffith says, is that sensitive teeth are both common and treatable. You don’t have to be a martyr and suffer through every meal when you can easily contact your local family dentist to properly treat the condition.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.