Tooth sensitivity can be painful and even debilitating at times. Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, there is only so much that you can do until you feel relief. You may have seen toothpastes designed specifically to help address sensitivity before. How do they work, and what makes them different?
What Is Sensitivity?
First, it’s important to determine whether or not what you’re experiencing is indeed decay. If you feel pain or discomfort when you drink a cold or hot beverage or expose your teeth to cold air, then you probably have sensitivity.
What Causes Sensitivity?
- Tooth decay:Tooth decay, even cavities, can cause sensitivity since your enamel is worn down and more vulnerable parts of your teeth are exposed.
- Gum Disease:Gum disease causes your gums to separate from your teeth, exposing their sensitive roots.
- Cracked Teeth:Whether you grind your teeth, have chipped a tooth, or have recently had dental work done, having cracked teeth can cause sensitivity.
- Alcohol (both in beverages and mouthwash):Alcohol exposure increases your likelihood of developing decay.
- Brushing Style:Do you bleed when you brush your teeth because you’re brushing too hard? This can actually cause tooth sensitivity.
How to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity
After you figure out the cause of your tooth sensitivity, you and your dentist can come up with a plan to decrease your sensitivity, whether that be through a filling, gum disease treatment, or curbing your alcohol consumption. One way to help decrease your teeth’s sensitivity at home is to use toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate. It seems like a mouthful, but this powerful combination of ingredients helps curb decay and acid in your mouth while also soothing the nerves of your teeth. In short, it basically alleviates current sensitivity while also preventing future sensitivity!
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity for any reason, we want you to know that it’s possible to feel comfortable and happy again! Stop by at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology and we will create an action plan that will get you smiling (without pain!) again. Contact us today!
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