Many people experience tingly feelings or strong sensations in their teeth when eating specific foods, especially ones that are very hot, very cold or overloaded with sugar. Dr. Brad S. Haines of White and Haines Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius, North Carolina, talks here about how you can desensitize your teeth, from having a special resin put on to simply using a special toothpaste.
Tooth sensitivity is a tooth that hurts occasionally due to cold or hot or sugar. There are many reasons for this occurring. It can be caused by gum recession, cavities, filings or dental procedures such as crowns. It can also be caused by gingivitis, a cracked tooth, tooth grinding, plaque buildup and eating too many acidic foods, which negatively impact the teeth and wear away the enamel.
The most conservative treatment is to use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne. For the vast majority of people, that usually takes about three to four weeks to begin working. It works since it has a chemical in it that allows the nerve to experience hot and cold. And it works for sugar as well. Fluoride toothpaste also helps desensitize the teeth as fluoride also fills in the dentin tubules.
Along with special toothpastes, you can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and try to always brush your teeth as gently as possible. This will help avoid gum recession, which can cause sensitivity as well.
Alternative Methods
If those methods do not work or if the sensitivity in your teeth increases, composite resin fillings can be used along the gum line to cover the exposed root surfaces. In some cases, a fluoride varnish can be applied to the exposed root surface. The fluoride will last about four months until it will need to be reapplied, and the composite fillings will last anywhere from five to 12 years.
It’s worth keeping in mind that some teeth react to foods faster, and some people are just naturally more sensitive to hot and cold. In some cases, people may react strongly in cold weather, when breathing in cold air, for example. If you fall into this category, it is worth seeing your dentist to discuss ways of desensitizing your teeth, especially if using a special toothpaste for the recommended period of time has not worked for you.
Always check with a dentist in any case. It may be that your sensitivity is due to a cavity, which should not go unchecked. You may have avoided hot and cold foods for a long time, only to find that a simple filling can rectify the problem in no time.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
