Have you ever bitten into a popsicle and felt pain radiate through your teeth? Has hot coffee or cocoa ever caused your teeth to ache? Perhaps biting into something bitter gives you a twinge? If any of these are the case, you may have sensitive teeth, and you’ll want to see your dentist about it.
People with sensitive teeth can find it hard to eat or drink because hot, cold, or bitter foods or drinks cause discomfort or even pain. There are ways to combat sensitive teeth. At Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry, we can help determine why your teeth are sensitive and offer ways to fix the problem.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is when your teeth react to extreme hot or cold or something super sweet, such as frosting or bitter, like lemons. Symptoms can range from a twinge or odd feeling to pain or aching that lasts for several hours.
Tooth sensitivity can start in the teens, but it usually strikes people between ages 20 and 40. However, it can hit at nearly any age, and you’ll want to see a dentist if it doesn’t go away.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is caused when the enamel on your tooth thins. The enamel is the hard shell that protects the sensitive interior of the tooth, called the dentin. Thin enamel can expose the dentin and make the tooth sensitive. Tooth erosion, or a wearing down of the enamel, is one of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity.
How Do I Stop Tooth Sensitivity?
At Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry, we can provide treatments to improve your tooth sensitivity. One option is a dental sealant that can protect your enamel and reduce tooth erosion. We can apply such a sealant, which soaks into the nooks and crannies of each tooth and protects them. We can also provide fluoride treatments to help strengthen your enamel.
We also can recommend toothpaste and fluoride rinses you can use at home to strengthen your enamel.
How Do I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity at home is to brush and floss at least twice a day, brushing for two minutes each time. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, and try not to rinse, eat or drink for at least half an hour afterward. That gives the fluoride time to react with your saliva and strengthen your enamel. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash or rinse at home. Again, give it time to work correctly, about half an hour or so.
If you use an electric toothbrush, change the head every couple of months, or change your toothbrush every 2-3 months. This keeps the bristles stiff and allows them to scrub better. You also want to brush with soft bristles that won’t wear down your enamel over time.
It would help if you also visited the dentist at least twice a year. We can check your enamel and determine whether any tooth erosion or tooth decay is happening, and we can provide a good cleaning and a sealant treatment to protect your teeth.
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry is available to answer your questions about tooth sensitivity and other queries you may have about your oral health. If you’re in the Fayetteville, AR, area, give us a call or schedule a free evaluation. We’re here to help!
