Did you know that over 40 million Americans suffer from some form of tooth sensitivity? That is over 40 million humans who deal with pain or discomfort in their teeth when being exposed to certain stimuli such as hot or cold foods. If you are amongst these individuals, you are really not alone.
Tooth sensitivity can sometimes be temporary while other times chronic. It can be caused by many different factors. Some of these include:
- Thinning enamel
- Exposed tooth root
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Gum recession
- Tooth decay
- Broken tooth
- Chipped teeth
There are a few tools to combat tooth sensitivity depending on what the underlying issue is. The first and most important step in relieving the discomfort is to treat the condition that is causing your teeth to be sensitive. This step requires a checkup with a dentist. We, at Alluvial Dental Clinic, are always happy to see you and answer any questions you might have. We have compiled a list of the most common treatments that we offer our clients for tooth sensitivity below.
Fluoride Application
One of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity is thinning of tooth enamel. A great way to combat the thinning of the enamel is to do fluoride applications. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and prevents thinning, which in exchange relieves tooth sensitivity. Fluoride application is a fairly simple process which requires a dentist to apply the gel to your mouth for five minutes.
Desensitizing/ Bonding
Unfortunately gum diseases are much more common than we wish them to be. Gum diseases and aging often result in receding gums and exposed tooth roots. A popular way to combat this issue is to cover the areas that are exposed by using sealant.
Mouth Guard
Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing. This is a habit which is out of the control of the individual who is doing it. Grinding creates tiny cracks in the enamel of the teeth overtime which makes the teeth sensitive to cold and hot. The best way to prevent this from happening is by using a mouth guard to sleep. A mouth guard is made specifically for you by using a model of your teeth so that it fits perfectly.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is often one of the last options we explore for tooth sensitivity. Having said that, tooth sensitivity can be quite overwhelming and a root canal treatment can be very liberating if nothing else works for you. A root canal treatment can effectively help relieve tooth sensitivity by removing the soft pulp inside the tooth.
Tooth sensitivity can be challenging to deal with on the day to day. It is important to first understand what the underlying issue is. We know that it can be difficult to assess what causes your tooth sensitivity and we want to encourage you to visit us at our clinic for a checkup and an analysis. We have all the tools necessary to help you get back to your normal self! Don’t hesitate to contact us.
