When visiting your local dentist office, let us know if you are struggling with sensitive teeth. This is a common condition that tends to get worse with age. Many of the seniors we treat complain of their teeth hurting when drinking something cold like iced tea, eating a bowl of ice cream, or brushing their teeth. While common, this can still be inconvenient, and we can help your teeth to feel better.
Before you treat sensitive teeth, it is important to understand why teeth become sensitive in the first place. Your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel and underneath your gums they are protected by cementum. These two elements cover the dentin that your teeth are made of. When they wear away, the dentin is exposed. The problem with dentin is that it is full of holes that contain root endings. If you were to look at dentin under a microscope, you would see something that looks like a bunch of small round holes had been punched through it. Understandably, when this is exposed – your teeth become sensitive.
Over time, the enamel wears away through a process called demineralization. What you eat and drink is largely to blame, and you can combat it by eating a healthy diet with nuts, veggies, dairy and lean protein along with taking care of your teeth overall. Regular teeth cleanings at our dentist office will also help to preserve your enamel.
Other causes of tooth sensitivity are cavities and gum disease. If you have an infection in your mouth, it will cause your teeth to become more sensitive and potentially painful. If we see any signs of cavities or gum disease, it can be treated in our office so that you can feel better right away.
At home, you can feel better by brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste. This will block sensations from being transferred through the dentin and to the roots of the tooth. While this will block the pain, you must also address the root of the issue. If your pain is caused by due to losing enamel, you should brush with a fluoride toothpaste or request an in-office fluoride treatment. This places a mineral directly onto your teeth and strengthens them so that the dentin will not be exposed in the first place. You may also want to have a bonding procedure completed where a tooth colored substance is bonded to your teeth in order to protect the dentin.
Teeth that require more serious treatment can have dental crowns placed onto them. A crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth entirely and prevents anything from touching it. This way you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth without feeling pain because nothing actually touches the tooth. Before this procedure can be completed, we must diagnose and treat any other infections that may be present.
By following these steps at home and visiting the dentist, your teeth will start to feel better.
