OUCH! – Dental Sensitivity
Dental Sensitivity can be a “real bear.” Tooth sensitivity can be triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even just by breathing cold air. Sensitivity is often described as a quick shooting pain to the nerve of the tooth. OUCH!
Did you know that tooth sensitivity can be a sign of further dental problems? It’s important to visit your dental professional to determine the cause of your dental sensitivity and treat it properly.
What causes dental sensitivity?
Sensitive teeth occur when the second layer of your tooth is exposed. The dentin layer of the tooth is full of tiny channels called dentinal tubules. These channels allow stimuli to reach the nerve in the teeth.
How does the dentin get exposed?
Some causes of exposure include brushing too hard, tooth decay, recession, cracked or broken teeth, grinding, and even age.
What are treatment options for dental sensitivity?
Of course, our first suggestion is to visit your dental professionals. We want to make sure that the sensitivity you are experiencing is not due to grinding, decay, cracks, or broken teeth. Second, evaluate your diet. Are you consuming a lot of acidic foods or drinks? Acidic foods may aggravate symptoms of sensitivity. Third, evaluate your brushing and flossing! It’s important to remove all of the plaque from your teeth without irritating the gum or brushing so hard that you abrade the tooth surface. And finally, use desensitizing products such as paste or rinse — specifically for sensitivity — fluoride, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Lima Dental Associates, Spencerville Dental Associates, and New Bremen Dental Associates are here to help you! If you suffer from dental sensitivity, let us know!
In the meantime, keep smiling, sharing, and caring!