How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity or “Dentin Hypersensitivity" is a dental condition in which you experience sharp temporary pain in your teeth and gums when you perform simple tasks such as brushing, eating, drinking or breathing in cold air through your mouth.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

There are various causes of tooth sensitivity and some of the most common include trauma from hard tooth brushing, excessive intake of acidic & sugary foods or drinks, excessive use of teeth whitening products, teeth grinding and acid reflux.

All of these can make your gums recede, exposing your dentin (which is a porous tissue of the teeth). Within your dentin are microscopic tubules that carry sensation from the tooth's exterior to the interior. Receiving gum or enamel loss makes your dental nerves easily triggered by certain stimuli causing sensitive teeth.

How to reduce tooth sensitivity

If you experience a sharp pain after consuming hot or cold food or drinks, you need to visit a dentist in Pasadena for proper examination and diagnosis of your dental condition. Afterward, your dentist can either perform an in-office treatment procedure or recommend products you can apply at home. Below is a brief description of both treatment options.

In-office treatment procedure:

This treatment procedure can be performed by your dentist following an appropriate diagnosis. Some procedures your dentist can perform in-office include

• Fluoride application: fluoride can help to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent pain.
• Surgical gum graft: this procedure is performed if you have significant loss of gum tissue. Your dentist will take a small amount of gum tissue from unaffected areas of your mouth and attach it to the affected sites. This restores the normal gum tissue consistency and reduces exposure of your dentin.
• Application of desensitizing agent or a protective coating: to perform this procedure, you may be given anesthesia to numb the affected site. This dental procedure helps to cover exposed root surfaces with a desensitizing agent or protective coating. This shields your root surfaces and prevents sensitivity.

At Home treatments:

Your dentist can recommend a fluoride gel or an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that you can use to manage and treat sensitive teeth.

Is tooth sensitivity common?

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there are 40 million adults in the United States who suffer from tooth sensitivity. This figure may represent individuals who consume acidic diets often or do not practice proper tooth brushing methods, which gradually leads to wear and tear of the enamel.

How to prevent tooth sensitivity

There are various ways you can prevent tooth sensitivity, some of which include:

• Practice proper tooth brushing techniques using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use gentle strokes rather than harsh scrubbing.
• Do not use toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients.
• Rinse your mouth with clean water after eating sticky, acidic or sugary foods. You can also drink water after consuming such foods to balance the acid levels in your mouth and prevent acid build-up that can harm your enamel.
• Use a straw to drink carbonated or acid-containing beverages (e.g citrus juices & soft drinks.)
• Limit your use of at-home teeth whitening products.

If you experience any pain in your teeth after consuming certain foods and drinks, then we encourage you to schedule a visit to our dental office in Pasadena for a comprehensive dental examination, professional consultation, and treatment.

Remember, that by staying proactive with your oral health, you will lessen and prevent any dental issue from worsening and affecting your general health and well-being.