Cavities, often known as ‘dental caries,’ are quite frequent. They impact 92% of Americans aged 20 to 64. Cavity pain and sensitivity are frequently confused with sensitive teeth, although there are important distinctions between the two.
For people living in Chicago, its broad temperature range might irritate sensitive teeth. Continue reading to learn more about sensitive teeth, as well as treatment options for them in Chicago. If you’re also a Chicago resident, you can consult a dentist in Downtown Chicago for an official diagnosis.
Why are your teeth sensitive?
Have you ever experienced pain or discomfort after eating ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you are not alone. Pain produced by hot or cold meals may indicate a cavity, but it is also frequent in people with sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity, also known as “dentin hypersensitivity,” refers to pain or discomfort in the teeth caused by particular stimuli, such as temperatures that are either hot or cold.
It can be a transient or persistent condition that affects one, several, or all of a person’s teeth. Sensitive teeth can have a variety of reasons, but most cases can be readily cured with a modification in your dental hygiene routine.
What helps reduce tooth sensitivity?
Depending on the situation, your dentist may recommend:
- Fluoride
Your dentist may administer fluoride to sensitive parts of your teeth to build tooth enamel and alleviate discomfort. He or she may also propose that prescription fluoride be administered at home using a fitted tray.
- Desensitizing toothpaste
Desensitizing toothpaste, after multiple applications, can occasionally help block the pain caused by sensitive teeth. There are several products accessible over the counter. Ask your dentist which product is best for you.
- Surgical gum graft
If the root of the tooth has lost gum tissue, use a little piece of gum tissue from another place in your mouth to cover the affected area. This can help to protect exposed roots while also reducing sensitivity.
- Desensitizing or bonding
Exposed root surfaces can sometimes be addressed by adding bonding glue to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic could be necessary.
- Root canal
If your sensitive teeth are causing extreme pain and other treatments aren’t working, your dentist may consider a root canal, which treats abnormalities in the tooth’s soft center (dental pulp). While this may appear to be a significant medical treatment, it is often regarded as the most effective method for reducing tooth sensitivity.
Medical conditions that cause sensitivity.
If an underlying issue causes your tooth sensitivity, you should address it before the enamel wears away and causes harm to the teeth.
Teeth grinding may also cause sensitivity. You can teach yourself to quit grinding or clenching your teeth by avoiding doing so during the day. Reducing stress and caffeine before bedtime might also help you avoid grinding your teeth at night. If this does not help, you can wear a mouthguard at night to keep the grinding from harming your teeth. For more information, you can consult your dentist today.
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