Why are my teeth sensitive?

-

Happy Independence Day!



Nothing says summer more than celebrating our freedom with fireworks and ice cream! For those of you who just cringed at that sentence, it may be because the thought of having something cold hit your teeth sends preliminary phantom pains into the nerves of your teeth. If that's the case, you probably have sensitive teeth.


There are a few different reasons why you might have sensitive teeth, but the good news is you can treat it! 


Possible Causes:
  • Cavities
  • Gum Recession (Exposed Roots)
  • Worn Enamel
  • Fractured Teeth
The treatment depends on the cause, so it is important to discuss with your dentist your sensitivity issues. The fix may be as easy as switching toothpaste! When worn enamel is the culprit, using a toothpaste targeted towards sensitivity can help with symptoms. I personally recommend Sensodyne brand. Sensitive toothpastes work because they contain potassium nitrate which calms your tooth's nerves and helps prevent sending a pain signal to your brain. This is not an instantaneous fix but after using for an extended period of time may help provide relief. If sensitive toothpaste is not enough, speak with your dentist about fluoride treatments. Fluoride is used to strengthen enamel which then reduces sensitivity. 

In the case of cavities, fractured teeth and gum recession, the only treatment option is to see your dentist. They can help you decide the best course of action for fixing the issue(s). In these circumstances, your dentist may suggest a simple filling option or a more in-depth procedure such as a root canal or extraction in more serious cases.
Still not sure if you have sensitive teeth or not? Take my short quiz below to see!

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?
  1. Do you avoid hot food/drinks?
  2. Do you avoid cold food/drinks?
  3. Does it hurt to bite down?
  4. Does cold air bother your teeth?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have sensitive teeth! Contact your dentist to discuss possible solutions.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

 ~ Cyrus M. Larson, DMD

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Watch Your Citrus Intake! (how citrus affects oral health)

-
Image
How Citric Acid Affects Oral Health  Citric acid is found in many different things most people probably use or eat or drink daily! Some of these common culprits might surprise you. Cosmetics, gels and liquids, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and even dietary supplements commonly contain citric acid. It's even frequently added to various food products to boost flavors or help with preservation.  Citric Acid found naturally in :  Limes Oranges Lemons Pineapple Cherries Tomatoes Added Citric Acid:   Cheese,  Milk,  Soft-drinks,  Powdered drinks,  Frozen treats, and even s ome candy There are a few things to be aware of if you are eating or drinking a lot of these acidic items on a regular basis. Over time foods and drinks with high citric acid content can lead to the erosion of the enamel on your teeth.  When erosion has progressed into the softer, inner layer of your tooth (called the dentin) you will start to experience sensitivity and pain. If
Read more

6 Tips For Coping With Dental Anxiety

-
Image
New Year's Resolution: Go to the dentist If you are like most people, you read that statement and your anxiety level starts to rise. If this is you, there are things that can help. Here are a few suggestions and tips that I give my patients to help calm their nerves before and during an appointment. Breathe. This may seem obvious, but it isn't when you are in a state of panic. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on your breathing. When your mind is on breathing, it isn't on your appointment. Sometimes it helps to visualize yourself in a "happy place." That happy place may be sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere, or surrounded by family and friends in front of your grandma's fireplace. Wherever and whatever it is for you, we encourage the daydream while you are in your appointment. Know what sets you off. It may be the sound of the drill or just the feeling of dental instruments on your teeth. Talk about it with your dentist whatever it might be. The
Read more

A Caregiver’s Guide to Oral Health

-
Image
There are many aspects of being a caregiver, and some are certainly more challenging than others. This post is to help you with an often forgotten aspect of care: oral health. Taking care of a person's teeth is important. It will greatly increase their quality of life. For example, being able to eat has been linked to heart health.  Remember that maintaining healthy teeth through preventative measures is always easier and more cost effective than waiting for a problem to arise and then addressing it. By staying regular with dental check-ups and cleanings, many big problems can be avoided through early intervention. These check-ups and cleanings should be scheduled twice per year, unless the hygienist has specifically said to come in three or four times per year. Make sure  to bring a list of all current medications to update in your chart each time. Home dental hygiene care is also important. Brushing twice per day (for two minutes) and flossing once per day will help to
Read more