According to the Academy of General Dentistry, nearly 40 million adults in the United States live with tooth sensitivity. Even with a strict oral care routine, you may still experience sensitivity when eating some of your favorite foods. The guide below offers some insight to help get to the root cause of your discomfort.

Tooth Sensitivity Explained

Causes

Tooth sensitivity is the painful sensation experienced when you eat hot foods or drink cold beverages. When these liquids or foods move within the tiny tubes located in the dentin of your teeth, it can cause nerve irritation. Dentin is protected by the hard enamel of your teeth, but over time the enamel can break down, exposing parts of the dentin and causing tooth sensitivity.

There are several reasons your tooth enamel can break down, including grinding your teeth at night, temporary crowns and fillings, a receding gum line, or drinking acidic beverages such as coffee and wine.

Varying Symptoms

Taking control of your oral care and treating your sensitive teeth starts with your dentist. During a visit, explain your symptoms and when you notice any pain. Each patient is different, so dentists will need to know additional information like if a warm compress relieves the pain or if you’ve had any recent changes in your diet or sleeping habits.

Once your dentist has ruled out other possibilities such as tooth decay, cavities, or gingivitis, they can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Treatment Options

Treating sensitive teeth can be rather simple. For home oral care, your dentist will likely recommend desensitizing toothpastes or a specific fluoride mouthwash that aim to harden the enamel that remains on your teeth. In extreme cases, you can request sealants or other fillings materials.

To help improve symptoms on your own, avoid using a hard bristle toothbrush and limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages. You should also avoid tobacco use and soft drinks throughout the day. With an adjustment in your oral hygiene habits, you may notice a change in sensitivity and get back to enjoying some of your favorite hot foods and cold beverages.

Preventative oral care is important to your overall health. Residents in Lincoln, NE, turn to the dental team at Genrich Family Dentistry. For nearly 30 years, they have been practicing exemplary dental service and provide patients with a wide range of services, including cosmetic and general dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, give their office a call at (402) 466-2111. You can also find out more about them online.