Discovering sensitivity in your teeth is never fun. Whether it occurs when you drink hot coffee or cold water, chew on sweets, or even react to brushing and flossing, it is never a welcoming sensation. There are many reasons your teeth might become sensitive. Often it is a sign of an exposed root or worn down enamel, but it can also indicate a cracked tooth, cavities, or even be caused by a dental procedure.
If you find yourself with sensitive teeth, here’s what to do:
1. Talk to your dentist.
Since there are so many different reasons your teeth might be sensitive, it is important to get a professional opinion on your situation. An examination can help determine the cause of the sensitivity, leading to a treatment plan. Dr. Naysan can also offer treatments to help desensitize your teeth, including fluoride treatments or bonding and sealing the damaged enamel.
2. Change your habits.
When you meet with Dr. Naysan, he might ask you about your current behaviors to see if a cause can be determined. If you eat a lot of acidic foods, he may recommend you cut back on them. He will also help you determine whether or not you are brushing too hard or too frequently. Involuntary habits such as grinding your teeth can be stopped with a night guard.
3. Change products.
There are several products on the market designed to help those with sensitive teeth. Try using desensitizing toothpaste. Check how hard the bristles of your toothbrush are, and switch to something softer if you need to.
4. Wait.
In some cases, sensitive teeth require waiting. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, for example, it is important to make sure your teeth are healthy and strong. Dr. Naysan will recommend you wait until the sensitivity is resolved before proceeding with the work. And, if you find your sensitivity started just after a dental procedure, even if it is on a tooth that wasn’t worked on, waiting may solve the problem. Sometimes the root of a tooth can become irritated, and it can take some time for it to settle down and heal.
5. Undergo a procedure.
If your sensitivity is caused by a crack or a cavity, it is best to treat the condition to prevent it from becoming worse. For some people, the sensitivity is severe and is a sign that they will need more intense work, such as root canal treatment. Undergoing the necessary procedure will alleviate the discomfort and save your teeth from further deterioration.
If your teeth are feeling sensitive, don’t wait to call for help. The sooner Dr. Naysan can treat the problem, the sooner you will get some relief from that sudden shock of pain from your favorite food or drink.
