Sensitive teeth can make activities such as eating, brushing, flossing and even breathing an uncomfortable experience. It’s an experience that causes discomfort in millions of people across the country but is something that can be very effectively treated.
What causes sensitive teeth?
The main causes of sensitive teeth are worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. They can also be caused by cavities, damaged teeth or very occasionally, a side effect of something else.
Lifestyle factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity such as diet, oral health or medication. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, limiting your intake of sugar, acidic foods and fat and visiting your dentist regularly are all good ways to avoid sensitive teeth.
What do I do if I have sensitive teeth?
If your teeth become sensitive, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you can. We can quickly identify the cause and prescribe an effective treatment. In most cases, that’s just prescribing a desensitizing toothpaste, but occasionally, more work may be required.
As the causes are so varied, it’s best to get a professional opinion as early as possible. If it’s nothing serious, your mind is set at ease early on. If work is required, we can address the situation before it gets any worse. If there are underlying causes that need treatment, the earlier we can treat you, the less serious that treatment is likely to be.
How are sensitive teeth treated?
The specific treatment of sensitive teeth depends on the cause. In the majority of cases, a specialist toothpaste designed for sensitivity is prescribed or suggested to address the discomfort. This is often enough to treat the condition.
If the cause is being caused by damaged teeth, worn enamel or exposed tooth roots, we have a range of procedures that can quickly and effectively deal with them. We use a range of treatments from dental sealants to veneers to treat the causes of sensitive teeth. The exact treatment depends entirely on the cause.
How to avoid getting sensitive teeth
Avoiding tooth sensitivity is the same as avoiding many oral health challenges. Brush twice a day, floss daily and make sure your diet is as healthy and as varied as you can make it. Restrict fatty and sugary foods as much as you can and watch acidic foods too.
Finally, keep visiting your dentist regularly so we can identify any potential sensitivity issues early on.
If you have developed tooth sensitivity or would like to know more, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!
