How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
March 10, 2023 8:05 amDo you feel a sharp sensation when you eat or drink something hot or cold? Do your teeth hurt when you brush or use a water flosser? There are several ways to address tooth sensitivity.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Underneath your tooth’s hard enamel is a sensitive layer called dentin. When your enamel thins, this layer becomes more easily irritated. You can protect and fortify your enamel by maintaining great oral hygiene every day. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste, floss every day, and visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. We also recommend rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic foods, and avoiding tobacco products.
Deep Cleaning
Gum disease is an infection characterized by sore and inflamed gums. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss. We offer scaling and root planing for patients that need periodontal care. During these deep cleanings, we remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line and apply antibiotics to any gum pockets. It’s normal to feel some tenderness after a deep cleaning but this should fade soon.
Fillings or Crowns
If your tooth sensitivity is specific to one or a few teeth and you’ve ruled out gum recession, you may have advanced tooth decay. Depending on its severity, a cavity can usually be treated with a restorative treatment, like a filling, root canal therapy, and/or crown.
Fluoride Treatment
The first stage of tooth decay is temporary weakening caused by demineralization. While a hole hasn’t yet formed in the tooth, its enamel is thinning. Sensitivity is often the first warning sign. Fluoride can help reverse this process by reinforcing your enamel. Many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride. We also offer professional fluoride treatments at our office. If you opt for this, we will apply a varnish of concentrated fluoride to your teeth after your cleaning. This will combat erosion.
Improve Your Oral Health at Alma Dental Care in Petaluma, CA
Many issues can contribute to tooth sensitivity, which is why it’s important to have an experienced dentist like Dr. Serrano evaluate the problem. At Alma Dental Care, we offer general dentistry, restorative services, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and more to help care for our patients’ oral health. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Categorised in: Oral Health
