Different Ways Teeth Sensitivity is Treated
If you have teeth sensitivity, you may think that you are destined for a life filled with pain each time you brush your teeth or drink your favorite hot or cold beverage. However, you do not have to live with the pain. There are a few different ways that teeth sensitivity can be minimized and controlled.
Toothpastes Formulated For Sensitive Teeth
One of the easiest and most widely used treatments for teeth sensitivity is specially formulated toothpastes that are made for people with sensitive teeth. Toothpastes formulated for those with sensitive teeth contain either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.
Potassium nitrate enters the tooth and makes its way into the dental pulp. It coats the nerves in there, blocking the transmission of pain signals. So while your teeth may still be sensitive, you should not be able to feel it.
Strontium chloride also enters the tooth as you brush it on your teeth. This ingredient seals off the dental tubules. This added layer of protection helps ensure that hot and cold items do not come into direct contact with the tubules, which can cause pain.
Fluoride
If you have sensitive teeth, another treatment that may work for you is fluoride treatments. Your dentist may either administer the treatment in their office, or send you home with fluoride so you can treat yourself at home. While you can never regrow the tooth enamel that you have already lost, you can strengthen the tooth enamel you have left. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel you have left. If you have sensitivity because of weakened enamel, rather than lost enamel, this is a great treatment option for you.
Sealing the Exposed Root Surface
We have gums to help hold our teeth in place and protect teeth roots. But, once the gums have receded away, there is nothing there to block the tooth root from exposure to your toothbrush or hot and cold foods. Luckily, there is a treatment. If your teeth sensitivity is caused by exposed dental roots, your dentist may try to solve the problem by sealing the exposed root.
A small amount of sealant can be placed between your tooth and root to help seal off the root. Unfortunately, sealant does not last all that long, so the procedure will need to be repeated about every five to ten years. But, it is one of the only ways to protect the roots of your teeth if they are exposed.
How Can You Prevent Teeth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity can cause you to feel pain in your teeth and gums while you are taking care of your teeth, eating, or drinking hot or cold drinks. However, while teeth sensitivity is something that is fairly common, it may not be something that you ever have to experience. While some sensitivity can occur due to genetics and the wearing of enamel as we age, the vast majority of cases of teeth sensitivity are caused through our actions. Here are some of the things we can do to prevent teeth sensitivity.
Flossing
Properly caring for your teeth and gums is one of the best things you can do to prevent teeth sensitivity. Flossing your teeth at least one time per day can help prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis is the number one reason why gums recede, which can cause the roots of teeth to be exposed. When the roots are exposed, they are more sensitive to items they come in contact with, such as hot and cold drinks.
Brushing Your Teeth After Eating Acidic Foods
More people today have worn tooth enamel than ever before. There are many reasons for this. However, one of the biggest reasons why this is so common today is that many of the foods we eat regularly contain acid. Foods such as coffee, soda, chocolate, red wine, strawberries and orange juice all are acidic. When we eat these items, the acid sits on our teeth and eats away at the enamel. As you do this day in and day out, the enamel slowly but surely gets worn.
Brushing your teeth after eating these acidic foods helps to remove any acid that remains on your teeth, causing the enamel to wear. If you are unable to brush your teeth after eating an acidic food, rinsing your mouth out with water or chewing sugar-free gum can help to minimize the amount of acid remaining in your mouth.
Seeing Your Dentist Regularly
You should see your dentist every six months. However, many people put it off because they get busy in their lives. But, seeing a dentist regularly is one of the best ways to prevent tooth sensitivity. While you can never replace enamel that has been worn or gums that have receded, a dentist can spot those problems and work to stop the erosion or recession before it worsens and leads to teeth sensitivity.
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