Dealing with tooth sensitivity or discomfort? You’re not alone. As we age, and our teeth change, we become more likely to develop these kinds of problems. The good news is that there are treatment options available from our Elmhurst dentists to help you overcome discomfort. Let’s get started by talking about some of the reasons that tooth pain occurs in the first place…
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sensitive?
The first step in treating chronic or episodic sensitivity is to identify the root cause of your discomfort. In a healthy smile, sensitive dental nerves are housed within the larger tooth structure, and are protected by both dental enamel and oral tissues. If any of these component parts begins to break down, your dental nerves will likely become irritated. This can happen due to…
- Thinning dental enamel
- Degrading/infected gum tissue
- Cavities
- Dental trauma due to injury or accident
The good news is that once our Elmhurst dentists figure out why you’re experiencing pain, we can better determine how to effectively treat it!
What Can I Do About It?
The first thing that we recommend is that you follow all of your dentist’s directions regarding daily oral hygiene and dental care. An effective oral hygiene routine reduces the effects of harmful oral bacteria, as well as acidic substances. Our goal is keep your dental enamel as thick and healthy as possible for as long as possible.
When you do experience sensitivity, you can work to manage and treat it by:
Making a few simple lifestyle changes—don’t switch rapidly between hot and cold drinks, for example
Using a desensitizing product—there are a number of toothpastes and mouth rinses on the market that are designed sooth irritated nerves. Our dental team can help you determine what type of product is best for you.
Bulking up insufficient or damaged enamel—strengthening and even repairing your dental enamel will protect sensitive tooth layers from infection and irritation. Topical fluoride treatments promote strong enamel (these treatments can be completed-in office), or there are a number of at-home products that contain fluoride (most toothpastes, for example). Additionally, restorative materials like porcelain or composite resin can be used to cover vulnerable enamel, or even rebuild missing portions of your teeth.
As always, our Elmhurst dentists are happy to provide you with any additional guidance, support, or information that you may need!