Tooth Sensitivity Can Be A Real Pain
Tooth sensitivity generally means that you have twinges of pain in your teeth when brushing, biting down, consuming hot or cold liquids or sweets. Sensitivity can be quite painful when left untreated. It has several potential causes:
- Poor oral hygiene allowing tartar to build up at the gum line and cause infection
- Long term tooth wear
- Clenching and grinding
- Receding gums
- Untreated caries
- Cracked teeth
- Cracked fillings
- Tooth whitening
- Infection
- Excessive pressure
The treatment for sensitivity requires an examination to determine the cause. Some of the treatments may include:
- Regular fluoride treatments
- night guard or splint to be worn during the day or at night
- New fillings or an adjustment of existing fillings
- Crowns
- Gum grafting
- More regular dental visits
- Desensitizing toothpaste
- Avoiding acidic foods
See your dentist for an exact diagnosis and treatment. Tooth sensitivity is not only annoying and troublesome, but also an indicator of an underlying condition. If your teeth are sensitive and it hurts to have them cleaned, request an anesthetic or nitrous oxide to make your dental hygiene visits more comfortable.