For those of us who suffer from sensitive teeth, a lot can cause pain: slushies, hot-off-the-grill burgers, and frothy root beer floats. The general dentist at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI, treats many patients who complain of tooth sensitivity and aren’t sure what to do about it. Drawing from his experience in dentistry over the past 25 years, Dr. Olsen has some information and a few tips about how to address tooth sensitivity.

The Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Knowing what causes sensitivity can help keep it from getting worse. Sensitivity to very hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks is caused by a wearing down of the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. When the enamel is worn away, those strong sensations are able to penetrate into your tooth’s nerve roots and tissues, causing painful sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Various factors can cause your enamel to slowly disappear, but the most common include brushing your teeth too forcefully, drinking and eating too many acidic products, bruxism, or excessive plaque.

Advice From a General Dentist to Deal With Teeth Sensitivity

Don’t let tooth pain stop you from enjoying the little things in life. There are tips and treatments to help you deal with tooth sensitivity, some of them that you can do without an office visit to your general dentist. These include using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep, reducing your intake of acidic products, and using a mouthwash with fluoride in it.

If these at-home remedies don’t bring you the relief you need, then consider visiting your family dentist for a consultation about your tooth pain. There are a few dental procedures that can help alleviate your symptoms. Veneers protect the part of your tooth that lost its enamel from the foods and drinks that make it hurt. A surgical gum graft is ideal if your sensitivity is caused by recessed gums. For this procedure, a graft of tissue can be applied over the exposed area, providing relief from sensitivity. Lastly, if nothing else brings you relief, a root canal may be performed to eliminate symptoms. This requires a general dentist to remove the infected pulp in a tooth.  

Tooth sensitivity can prevent you from enjoying what you love. If you struggle with pain from sensitivity and at-home remedies aren’t helping you, the general dentist at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska can. Dr. Mike Olsen has been a family dentist since 1993 and is a member of the ADA® and WDA™, while the rest of the team is experienced, professional, and compassionate. Whether you need a crown or a cleaning or a cavity treatment, you can count on them to provide comprehensive, expert dental care in a setting that’s warm and friendly. For more dental education and tips, read their FAQ here, or call them at (608) 783-3341 to make an appointment.