LAKEVILLE, SAVAGE AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Tooth sensitivity can be a real pain. No one wants to wince in pain each time they bite into a popsicle or drink a cup of hot chocolate.
Tooth sensitivity is fairly common- one in five adults deals with it- but there are some measures you can take if you are a tooth sensitivity sufferer.
Before we share our recommendations for alleviating tooth sensitivity, let’s share a bit about what causes it. We sometimes have patients at our Lakeville, Savage and St. Paul orthodontics office who complain of sensitivity after getting their dental braces. There is a difference between sensitivity and soreness. The “sensitivity” that a new braces wearer might experience is temporary and goes away when the teeth have adjusted to having appliances on them, says Dr. Trudy Bonvino, the adult and children’s orthodontiston staff at Cosmopolitan Orthodontics.
The lingering sensitivity that comes with eating sweets, drinking hot or cold beverages, or sometimes just breathing in through the mouth on a cool morning is what we’re talking about today. The American Dental Association lists the following as the key reasons for sensitivity:
- Cavities
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
“These are just signs of what could be causing the sensitivity,” Dr. Bonvino says. “Sometimes, the sensitivity is unexplainable.”
Worn tooth enamel can be caused by brushing your teeth too forcefully, eating highly acidic foods, or simply by the aging process, says Dr. Bonvino, who offers metal and clear orthodontic braces, among other treatment options.
How do these things lead to sensitivity? Healthy teeth possess porous tissue called dentin that tooth enamel and your gums protect. Dentin can become exposed if your gums recede or your teeth erode. Little holes in the dentin called tubules connect to the nerve and trigger pain when they become irritated by certain foods and beverages.
“Because this is such a commonly-seen problem among dental professionals, many makers of oral hygiene products have created products designed specifically to alleviate sensitivity,” she says.
Desensitizing toothpastes and rinses, soft-bristled tooth brushes, and even dental floss for sensitive gums are available over-the-counter.
“If over-the-counter products don’t seem to be doing the trick, I recommend that you consult your dentist to see if there is a professional-grade product available,” says Dr. Bonvino. “Sometimes, a fluoride varnish can be applied to the area, which can shield the tooth or teeth from sensitivity.”
© 2012 Master Google and Cosmopolitan Orthodontics. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, which can help you learn beneficial SEO techniques, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
