After a hot day in the summer sun, you decide to treat yourself to a delicious ice cream pop to cool yourself down. But as soon as it touches your teeth, a white-hot pain pierces through your mouth. As yummy as ice cream is, you decide that it’s not worth this intense discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is an increasingly common problem for many adults in the United States. Why is this the case? What causes your teeth to hurt the moment they touch anything hot or cold? Let’s discuss some of the causes of tooth sensitivity and how your dentist can help treat it.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Whether you’re sipping a hot cup of coffee, drinking a glass of ice water, or simply trying to brush your teeth before bed, certain activities can irritate your teeth and cause immense pain. Some of the most common reasons behind this problem are:
- Enamel that is worn away or thinning, exposing the more sensitive layer of dentin underneath
- An untreated cavity
- A worn-down filling
- Gum disease, causing the gums to pull back and expose the sensitive tooth roots
- A chip or crack in the tooth
No matter the reason behind your tooth sensitivity, you should contact your dentist as soon as you can. They can help you get to the root of the problem and have you enjoying ice cream again in no time.
How Your Dentist Can Treat Your Sensitive Teeth
During your appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the reason behind your dental discomfort. Depending on their findings, various treatments may be recommended, such as:
- Vanish XT: This combination of fluoride and other beneficial minerals is quickly and painlessly applied to your teeth near the gumline. After being hardened into place with a special light, the tubules leading to the teeth’s nerves are sealed away, preventing hot and cold stimuli from causing pain. Once applied, this treatment can last up to six months!
- Dental bonding: If the roots of your teeth are exposed, a tooth-colored composite resin can be applied to this area, minimizing sensitivity.
- Root canal: If no other treatment is effective, or the sensitivity is confined to one tooth, a root canal can remove the tooth’s nerve and replace it with a synthetic material. This should prevent sensitivity in that tooth in the future.
Your dentist might also suggest that you buy a desensitizing toothpaste, which can be found at most drugstores. By applying it regularly to your teeth, it can block the discomfort that comes with sensitive teeth. Your dentist can recommend a particular brand that can meet your needs and get your smile feelings its best again.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake has been meeting the dental needs of the Beverly Farms, MA community since 1986. At Beverly Farms Dental, he offers a wide array of treatments for sensitive teeth, most notably the Vanish XT system. If your teeth have been feeling sensitive lately, learn more about which treatment is right for you by visiting Dr. Blake’s website or calling (978) 927-3515.