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Don’t Let Sensitive Teeth Ruin Your Holiday Season

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Don’t Let Sensitive Teeth Ruin Your Holiday Season

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The holiday season is a time of joy and happiness, but for people with sensitive teeth, it can be a time of pain and misery. If you are one of those people, don’t worry – we have some tips for you! In this blog post, we will discuss the best treatments for tooth sensitivity. At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we understand tooth sensitivity and offer a variety of treatments to help you find relief.

Do You Experience Sensitive Teeth?

If you experience sudden and sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. This condition is caused by the exposure of nerve endings on the surface of your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to temperature changes. The good news is that there are ways to treat this problem before it starts to interfere with your holiday season.

Causes

Sensitive teeth can happen due to a variety of factors. For example, it could be caused by:

  • Brushing too hard: Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause gum recession (when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth).
  • Gum recession: Some people are genetically prone to thin gum tissue. Other people develop gum recession as a result of periodontal disease. With gum recession, your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots.
  • Gum disease: Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity because of the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
  • Cracked teeth: Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp, causing inflammation.
  • Teeth grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.

Other causes could include:

  • Teeth whitening products: These products are major contributors to teeth sensitivity. If you want to brighten your smile, talk to a dentist about teeth whitening for sensitive teeth.
  • Age: Teeth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
  • Plaque buildup: The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
  • Mouthwash use: Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen teeth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
  • Acidic foods: Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
  • Recent dental procedures: People can get sensitive teeth after fillings, teeth cleanings and dental restoration placement. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually disappears in four to six weeks.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we offer a variety of treatments for sensitive teeth. Depending on the circumstances, we might recommend:

  • Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
  • Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.
  • Desensitizing or bonding. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
  • Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root loses gum tissue, we can use a small amount of gum tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and attach it to the sensitive area. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
  • Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

Prevention

You can take steps to prevent your teeth from becoming sensitive. Here are a few tips:

  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you experience sensitive teeth, don’t let them ruin your holiday season! Our team at Mountain Aire Dentistry can help diagnose and treat the problem to restore your smile and keep it healthy through the new year. Contact us today!

 


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.