How Can You Correct Tooth Sensitivity?

If you have sensitive teeth, you likely experience some pain when you brush your teeth or eat and drink. Tooth sensitivity is when you endure sharp pain in your teeth. The sensitivity is temporary but still painful. Tooth sensitivity is often a result of exposed roots or enamel that is too worn down. Sensitivity also happens when you have a cavity, a broken tooth, gum disease, or a bad filling. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you need to visit the dentist to find out what is causing it. The following are some things your dentist may recommend to help deal with tooth sensitivity:

Use a Special Toothpaste

One option is to begin using a special toothpaste that is designed to help decrease tooth sensitivity. This type of toothpaste helps to block the pain from sensitive teeth. You can purchase the toothpaste from almost any drug store. Be sure to get a recommendation from your dentist.

Repair Any Decay or Issues With Your Teeth

If your tooth sensitivity is caused by tooth decay or damage to a tooth, getting those issues corrected often helps stop the pain quickly. In many cases, you might need a root canal and crown to fix the problem. A dentist will clean out the dental pulp that is decayed or diseased. This eliminates the source of the pain and is considered one of the best ways to deal with tooth sensitivity.

Get a Fluoride Treatment

To treat sensitive teeth, some dentists might suggest a fluoride application. The fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel. As enamel gets stronger, you may notice the pain decrease. In addition to the treatment from the dentist, your dentist may also recommend at-home fluoride treatments.

Change Your Diet

Since some tooth sensitivity is due to worn-down enamel, you need to avoid eating or drinking anything that can break up enamel. This includes any item that is acidic in nature. Citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, tomato products, and wine are just a few examples of items you can remove from your diet. If you begin to notice your tooth sensitivity has decreased, it is safe to say you should avoid these foods and drinks to control your pain.

Treat Exposed Root Surfaces

If you have any roots that are exposed, you need to have them repaired by your dentist. They will do this by applying a bonding material to the tooth's surface. This will help protect the exposed roots that are causing you pain in your teeth. The bonding material is made from composite resin, similar to the material used in fillings. The procedure is rather easy and is done using a local anesthetic.

Contact a local dentistry office to learn more.