Feeling a sharp zap every time you eat ice cream or sip your favourite coffee drink? You may be suffering from sensitive teeth, a common condition that affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians each year. Luckily, there are many ways to deal with this painful problem and get back to enjoying the food and drink you love. Here are four remedies for sensitive teeth that we often recommend to our patients.
Use Sensitivity Toothpaste
Many toothpaste companies make versions of their product designed to help treat sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes every day for a few weeks will seal off the tubules that lead to the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, reducing the pain you feel.
Your dentist may even be willing to prescribe you a high-strength toothpaste with a higher fluoride content than you’ll find in any over-the-counter tube. These toothpastes work even better than typical sensitive formulas, but they usually aren’t safe to use long-term.
Get a Gum Graft
If your teeth are sensitive due to exposed roots at the gum line, a gum graft may help reduce your discomfort. This procedure takes gum tissue from either a donor or the roof of your mouth and surgically grafts it over the spots where your natural gums have receded. Once these areas are covered, you should should have an easier time eating and drinking without pain.
Get Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and helps it protect the nerves in your teeth. Your dentist can give you a professional-grade fluoride treatment to boost your teeth’s resistance to heat and cold. These treatments may be given to you in foam, rinse, or gel form. They may also be administered in-office or as part of a take-home tray kit. Either way, this big boost of fluoride should help reduce your sensitivity for a while.
Get Checked for Bruxism
Sensitive teeth can sometimes be the result of bruxism (also known as teeth grinding). Not only does the impact itself cause some residual pain, but the constant friction wears down the enamel on the top of your teeth. Over time, you’ll expose more of the dentin and maybe even reach the pulp.
Your dentist is trained to spot the signs of bruxism, even in its early stages. If they spot any, they’ll recommend that you get fitted for a custom night guard. This appliance will help prevent teeth grinding during your sleep. You might also need to work on relaxing and unclenching your jaw during the day.
Say Goodbye to Your Sensitive Teeth
Don’t let sensitive teeth ruin your ability to enjoy your favorite food and drink. Our team at Coscarella Family Dentistry can help you get to the bottom of your sensitivity issues and come up with a solution fix them. Contact us today to book your appointment and get ready to experience life with less tooth pain.
