Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

Do you avoid hot drinks or ice cream because it makes your teeth hurt? Are there times when brushing your teeth or flossing seems to hurt more than it helps? You may have sensitive teeth.

Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. It is important to see your dentist if you have sensitive teeth so that the original cause can be determined. You may have small cracks in the enamel, decay, exposed roots, a reaction to dental bleaching, periodontal disease, a worn filling, or a chip in the tooth.

Depending on the reason for your sensitive teeth, treatment will vary. Obviously, if there is decay, a worn filling, or a chip in the tooth, your dentist will treat that issue, and the pain will go away. But if the cause is due to something else, your dentist will suggest options for treatment.

One treatment would be Desensitizing Toothpaste. This toothpaste is made to block the perception of sensations that travel from the surface of the tooth to the root. There often needs to be several applications of the toothpaste in order to reduce pain. Your hygienist will make sure that you are not brushing your teeth too aggressively and that the toothpaste you use is not abrasive.

Another option would be to apply fluoride or another sealant to the affected areas of the tooth. Fluoride strengthens the enamel. There are a variety of gels or sealants that can be applied to exposed dentin or roots to reduce sensitivity.

If these solutions do not work, there are other more aggressive options such as a surgical graft to cover an exposed root, a root canal, or a crown in order to deal with tooth sensitivity. At Library Park Dental your dentist will work with you to help you choose the treatment that is right for you.