Dentist-Recommended Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Options That Actually Work

Are you avoiding your favorite hot and cold beverage or foods due to teeth sensitivity? Ignoring the problem can make it worse whereas seeking tooth sensitivity treatment from a dental professional can help provide long-duration relief and ensure overall oral health.

Determining the Cause

Many people are reluctant to go to the dentist. However, a dentist is the right professional to go to for advice, diagnosis and treatment of all teeth-related issues. In the long run, you will save money and ensure oral health. The first step to tooth sensitivity treatment is identifying the cause – and who better to help with this than a qualified dentist? Teeth sensitivity can be due to several reasons such as enamel wear or decay, gum recession or cavities to name a few.  Based on symptoms, physical examination of your teeth and possibly some tests, a dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment.

Affordable Hypersensitivity Toothpastes

The dentist may recommend inexpensive home remedies as first line of tooth sensitivity treatment. This may include the regular use of a specially formulated teeth sensitivity toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothpaste. Tooth sensitivity toothpastes have ingredients that block dental nerves from sending sensitivity signals to the brain and ingredients that help build a protective layer around exposed dentin area. Exposed dentin is the main cause of teeth sensitivity that occurs when enamel, the protective layer covering it, gets weakened.

Dietary Changes and Mouth Guard

The dentist may also recommend dietary changes to reduce your intake of sugary or acidic foods and drinks. If you have a tooth grinding problem, the dentist may recommend you wear a mouth guard at night. Home remedies take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks to take effect. If the problem does not go away with home remedies, the dentist may want to explore alternative, in-office tooth sensitivity treatments.

In-Office Procedures

If you have a cavity or crack, the dentist may want to fill that. In some cases, a dental sealant may be applied on individuals who are prone to cavity formation.  If the problem is due to weakened enamel, the dentist may want to apply a fluoride gel or varnish over exposed dentin area. Fluoride gel or varnish acts as a barrier against stimuli and strengthens enamel as well as dentin. You may need to several appointments with regular intervals to complete the application process.

Procedures for Gum Issues

Tooth sensitivity can also occur when gums pull back from the teeth either due to natural wear or tear or a gum disease like gingivitis. When gums recede, they expose tooth roots which then become sensitive to external stimuli, resulting in the short, sharp associated with teeth sensitivity. The dentist may recommend deep cleaning to treat gum disease or fillings to cover exposed roots. A bonding agent may be used to cover the area causing discomfort. In more serious cases, a gum graft may be necessary to cover the bare area. If everything else fails, root canal procedure to remove the soft pulp inside the tooth may be recommended.

Now that you know there are so many tooth sensitivity treatment options, make an appointment with a dentist to find the right solution for you!