Did you know that nearly 50% of Michigan adults suffer from tooth sensitivity? This is a common problem that can come from a wide range of oral health issues, and it affects millions of people around the world every year. Luckily, there are many treatments for teeth sensitivity that you can use to strengthen your teeth and reduce the impact of cold and hot foods.
Determine What Is Causing The Tooth Sensitivity
As with most dental problems, tooth sensitivity is often a sign of a bigger issue going on with your smile. Some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity that we’ve noticed in our Metro Detroit dentist office include:
- Tooth decay and unfilled cavities
- Gum recession
- Worn enamel from aggressive tooth brushing
- Enamel erosion from acidic food and drinks
- Grinding teeth
When you come in for an appointment at our dentist office in Chesterfield, MI, we will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum recession, and other issues that may be causing your teeth to be sensitive. From there, we will come up with a personalized oral health care plan to strengthen your teeth and your smile as a whole.
Treatments For Sensitive Teeth After Tooth Decay
If your tooth sensitivity comes from worn enamel or tooth decay, the best thing to do is work on rebuilding the enamel coating on your teeth. Fluoride treatments are great for rebuilding enamel, and they are available through over the counter kits or in-office programs. You may also get a special sealant put on your tooth to cover an eroded area that may turn into a cavity later on. If you have a cavity that is causing tooth sensitivity, you can get a metal or composite filling to cover up the affected area and prevent future decay from occurring.
Treatments For Sensitive Teeth After Gum Recession
If your dental sensitivity is the result of gum recession, you may need to go through a process called gum grafting. This will cover up the area where the gumline has receded so the roots of your teeth are no longer exposed. Receded gums can cause a great deal of pain because the parts of the tooth below the surface are more sensitive than the parts above the gums. It’s best to treat gum recession at its earliest signs to protect your teeth from damage.
At-Home Treatments For Sensitive Teeth
In addition to the in-office treatments mentioned above, there are several at-home treatments for teeth sensitivity that you can try. These include:
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks that could cause your teeth to wear down
- Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to make brushing easier
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid applying too much pressure while you brush your teeth
- Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to prevent a build-up of bacteria
- Identify which foods and drinks cause you the most pain and consume those in moderation
- Rinse your mouth with fluoride-rich mouthwash to strengthen your enamel
Visit your family dentist to find out what the best course of action is for the causes of your tooth sensitivity, and use the at-home treatments above to keep your pain to a minimum.
