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Have you ever taken a drink of your iced tea, bit down on a candy bar, or slurped some hot soup and felt a stinging sensation in one or more of your teeth? If you have ever experienced pain from hot or cold temperatures you have sensitive teeth, a rather mild name for what can be a very uncomfortable condition. So what does this mean for you? If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, your dentist will have to examine your teeth to determine the underlying cause for your discomfort. Your teeth may be sensitive due to trauma or dental disease, which can destroy the tooth pulp, requiring a root-canal procedure to relieve the pain and eliminate infection. What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the underlying layer of your teeth, becomes exposed through the loss of the enamel layer or recession of the gums. Temperature changes and certain foods can cause the tooth or teeth to be painful, which usually subsides after a short period of time. The dentin contains a large amount of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods. Having your dentist examine your teeth is the best way to find out why your tooth, or teeth, is sensitive. Your dentist can look for signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by a cavity or even gum disease, which can be treated to address the sensitivity. My Tooth is Sensitive - Now What? If your sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the source, your dentist can perform a thorough cleaning of the area. However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at-home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity. Some in-office procedures include:
* Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas
* Fluoride foam or gel placed into a mouth tray
* Boning agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth
At-home care includes:
* Use a very soft bristled toothbrush, with low abrasive toothpaste
* Brush correctly and do not over brush
* Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
* Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by your dentist) to strengthen the tooth surface With a number of treatments available, it is important to visit your dentist in Franklin Square for the best treatment plan. Always seek your dentist's help - do not try to diagnose your tooth sensitivity yourself. Your tooth sensitivity may be the sign of something more serious, so talk to your dentist today for further diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Michele Harutunian, dentist in Franklin Square, NY, is a solo practitioner and has been at her current location since 2000. She received her dental degree from New York University, and also possesses an MD degree. Dr. Harutunians, cosmetic dentist in Franklin Square, unique combination of experience and knowledge showcases her ability to provide quality dental health care.
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