Do you cringe every time you drink something cold? Does hot coffee send shooting pains through your teeth? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. This is a common dental problem that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. But don’t worry – there are plenty of things you can do to get relief. In this blog post, we will discuss what you can do about sensitive teeth to help you get back to enjoying all your favourite foods and drinks.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
There are a few different things that can cause sensitive teeth. The most common culprit is tooth erosion. This happens when the enamel on your teeth starts to wear away. Once the enamel is gone, the underlying layer of your teeth (called dentin) is exposed. This can make your teeth feel very sensitive.
Other common causes include:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Worn-down fillings
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
How Do You Treat Sensitive Teeth?
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to treat sensitive teeth. Here are some of the best options:
Use a Toothpaste or Mouthwash for Sensitive Teeth
There are special toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market that are designed to help people with tooth sensitivity. They work by filling in the exposed dentin and providing a barrier against hot and cold temperatures.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
If you brush your teeth too hard, you can actually damage the enamel on your teeth. This can make them more sensitive. To avoid this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes when brushing your teeth.
Book a Desensitization Dental Treatment
If your sensitive teeth are causing you a lot of pain, you may want to book a desensitization dental treatment. This is a procedure where your dental practitioner will apply a special desensitizing agent to your teeth to help reduce sensitivity.
Now, you may be wondering: what kind of desensitizing agent? And that’s a perfectly fair question! The most common type of desensitizing agent is fluoride. However, if you don’t like the idea of fluoride treatments, then you’ll be happy to know that there are other options. Holistic dental practitioners, for example, often use fluoride-free agents to safely and effectively deal with tooth sensitivity.
Get a Root Canal
When you’re in serious pain and have exhausted all other treatment options, you may need to get a root canal. This is a procedure where the dentist removes the damaged or infected tissue from inside your tooth. It can be a bit of a daunting procedure, but if you’re really struggling with sensitive teeth, it may be your best option.
The Bottom Line
If you have sensitive teeth, there are plenty of things you can do to get relief. Use a specially-formulated toothpaste or mouthwash, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or book a desensitization dental treatment. However, if all else fails, you may need to get a root canal. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is talk to your dental practitioner about your options. They will be able to help you figure out which treatment is right for you. And hopefully, with their help, your sensitive teeth will be a thing of the past!
Want to try a desensitization treatment with a holistic dental practitioner? Click here to book an appointment with Hale Wellness Dental Studio today!