Do you remember those long summer days of your youth when you could easily devour an ice cream cone without cringing in pain?
Children rarely experience sensitive teeth. But as some patients age to adulthood, they can start to experience sensitivity. It could be that they were born with thin enamel or maybe over time the enamel got prematurely worn down due to a medical condition, chronic teeth grinding and clenching, or aggressive toothbrushing. Certain dental issues can also contribute to sensitivity, such as exposed tooth roots, chipped teeth, and gum disease.
While you can’t turn back time and get back the more robust teeth of your younger self, there are a few possible solutions to treat sensitive teeth:
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste. These kinds of toothpastes have ingredients that actually block pain signals, reducing the discomfort you would otherwise feel when your teeth feel cold or hot. There are several kinds available. One of our favorites is Crest Sensitive & Gum All Day Protection Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste. It has a mild, pleasant flavor and many patients have used it with good success to effectively mitigate their sensitivity.
Keep in mind that anti-sensitivity toothpastes are treating the symptom and not necessarily the root cause of the issue.
Get a Fluoride Treatment
If your tooth sensitivity is due to weak enamel, then getting a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office can help. Fluoride has a remineralizing effect on enamel, which means it helps strengthen and fortify your tooth against damage, decay, and nerve irritation.
Wear a Mouthguard
Sensitive teeth can be a result of grinding your teeth at night, which is a condition called bruxism. If that’s something you know you do, you’ll want to get a custom nightguard to wear while you sleep. This will protect your teeth from further damage, which would otherwise exacerbate your pain.
Consult with Our Team!
For additional dental product recommendations and personalized in-person treatment, please schedule an appointment with our team at North River Dental Care in Fredericksburg. With our comprehensive suite of dental services, we’re sure we can find a solution for you.
