Tooth pain and sensitivity can make it difficult for you to get through your daily routine. Suddenly, simple things like drinking a hot cup of coffee or cleaning your smile seem impossible. Our Toluca Lake dentists understand this, which is why we work hard to offer effective treatment options for tooth pain and sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more about why dental sensitivity develops, and what you can do about it…
Insufficient Enamel
Dental enamel is the strongest, most resilient layer of a tooth, but it isn’t indestructible. Over time, enamel becomes thinner. This happens due to regular wear and tear, and can be exacerbated by bruxism, frequent consumption of acidic substances, and, of course, harmful oral bacteria.
Dental Damage
It is also possible to experience dental pain or sensitivity due to a specific spot of infection or dental trauma. This “weak spot” becomes a direct route for bacteria and irritants to enter the dental pulp.
Unhealthy Gum Tissue
When gum disease is left untreated it can become more severe, and turn into periodontal disease. At this point, your gum tissue is so compromised that it starts losing elasticity, as well as the ability to repair itself. The unfortunate consequence is that your gums will start to pull away from your teeth, potentially leaving sensitive dental nerves exposed.
Effectively dealing with dental sensitivity is all about pinpointing the root cause of your pain, and treating the problem at its source. Here are some ways to manage and overcome sensitive teeth…
Lessen Pain Response
Using a numbing topical agent, or a toothpaste/mouth rinse designed to lessen sensitivity is a quick and easy way to feel better. While this type of treatment doesn’t necessarily improve the overall health of your smile, it can help you stay comfortable in the short-term.
Support Thick Enamel
Remember: the thicker and stronger your enamel is, the better it will be able to protect your dentin and dental pulp. Along with following your dentist-recommended oral hygiene routine, you may benefit from topical fluoride applications.
Fortify & Cover Weak Spots
If you are already dealing with porous or compromised dental enamel, our team may recommend that you undergo restorative dental treatment to build up insufficient enamel with materials like porcelain or composite resin. These materials perform the job of natural enamel, and they are not as susceptible to breaking down.
Prompt treatment is essential for addressing sensitivity-causing problems before they become more severe. Give our Toluca Lake dentists a call to get started!