When something lovely like ice cream or steaming hot coffee makes you cringe, you may suffer from tooth sensitivity. The causes of sensitive teeth vary, but one thing is certain: eating and drinking should not hurt! In today’s blog you’ll learn what causes sensitive teeth, how to relieve the pain, and when you need to visit the dentist.
As your partner for good oral health, our team of Naperville dentists can find the underlying cause of dental pain and relieve your symptoms, including pain. Call Thomas F. Brown, DDS, Family & Sedation dentistry today at (630) 396-3120 to schedule your checkup, cleaning, second opinion, or consultation with one of our reputable, gentle dentists. We will listen to your concerns, comprehensively assess your oral health, and then give you a blueprint for improving and maintaining good oral health, functional comfort, and a beautiful smile.
Why Teeth Become Sensitive
You can’t tell from looking, but your teeth are made of layers. In the core of each tooth is a chamber that houses dental pulp, including the tooth nerve. This little cavern is surrounded by a yellowish, bone-like layer of dentin containing tiny tubules that funnel sensations from tooth enamel to the nerve within the pulp. The outer protective layer we see, that white enamel, is the hardest substance made by the human body. Enamel covers the crowns of your teeth, but not the roots. A substance called cementum anchors teeth into the jawbone.
About one in eight people suffer from sensitive teeth. Outside of cracks and cavities, causes of dental sensitivity include gum recession and/or thin tooth enamel. Both gum recession and thin enamel can result from repeated harsh brushing, whitening products, teeth grinding, or consuming acidic foods and drinks, like sodas, citrus, and tomato-based foods.
Everyday Habits that Worsen Sensitive Teeth
A few culprits that could worsen tooth sensitivity include:
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush – Always choose soft brushes, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
- Brushing too hard, for too long – Two minutes of gentle brushing, using a fluoridated toothpaste, is sufficient to clean your teeth.
- Avoiding six-month cleanings – Tartar, which is hardened, calcified plaque, builds up at the base of and between teeth, and tartar is not water-soluble like plaque. A professional dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and any debris lodged between teeth. Checkups and cleanings should occur every six months, as recommended by the ADA and other respected dental health authorities.
- Using the wrong homecare products – Some commercial mouthwashes erode enamel, irritate gum tissue, and cause dry mouth, and they simply mask problems. Talk with your dentist about which mouthwash is best for your oral biome.
How to Soothe Sensitive Teeth
When teeth are painful, you can do a few things to relieve the aches at home.
- Use toothpaste specifically formulated to desensitize teeth, containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride.
- Stay away from steaming hot and icy cold foods and drinks until symptoms are under control.
- When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure, and brush for two minutes twice a day.
- Drink more water. Swishing water in your mouth, especially after meals, snacks, and sweet drinks, helps remove pain-causing elements from the oral environment.
- Avoid acids in your diet. Until your teeth feel better, don’t consume citrus or tomato-based foods and drinks, nor acidic beverages like sodas and wine.
Long-Term Pain Relief
Now let’s talk about lasting relief for sensitive teeth!
If you use desensitizing toothpaste and avoid acidic foods, but your teeth remain sensitive or the pain increases, you may have a cavity, crack, or chip that needs professional restoration.
If gum recession is at the root of your dental sensitivity, the dentist may recommend sealants, fluoride varnish, or cosmetic bonding for additional protection against external elements.
And remember, a visit to our office will allow us to identify and treat larger issues, like an internal tooth infection or abscess, that contribute to your dental sensitivity. You should visit us for semi-annual checkups and cleanings every six months, so we can stay ahead of any potential dental health issues.
If you clench and grind your teeth, you suffer from bruxism. Many people brux and aren’t aware, because they clench and grind their teeth while sleeping. The dentist may be the first to mention bruxism to you. Wearing a simple, comfortable nightguard protects teeth from damage. We can create your custom nightguard at our dental lab.
Don’t let sensitive teeth become a daily problem. Schedule your consultation at Thomas F. Brown, DDS, Family & Sedation Dentistry in Naperville today. Call (630) 369-3120.