01 Oct 2019
dentist north palm beach

Do you cringe in pain every time you drink a hot or cold drink, or when you chew something sticky? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity affects about 40 million adults in the United States. This can be incredibly painful and may actually interfere with a person’s everyday life. However, there are some ways to combat tooth sensitivity so that patients can get back to their daily routine. Keep reading to learn tips from our dentist of North Palm Beach on how to deal with tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity: Why It Occurs

Tooth sensitivity is primarily caused by the weakening of a tooth’s enamel. The enamel can become weakened due to several factors including:

  • Medication
  • Improper brushing technique
  • Eating highly acidic or sugary foods
  • The tooth root is exposed
  • Dental decay
  • Worn out or old filling
  • Grinding teeth during sleep
  • Gum recession

How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity at Home

There are several treatment options available to help ease the pain caused by tooth sensitivity. Some treatments are easier than others, so the type of treatment will depend on the level of pain experienced by the patient. An easy way to treat tooth sensitivity is to swap out your regular toothpaste for one specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Ask our dentist of North Palm Beach for a toothpaste recommendation that would best suit your needs. Also, try a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. This adds an extra layer of strength to protect your teeth from further damage.

Procedures Available for Extreme Cases

Some more extreme treatments for tooth sensitivity include bonding or a gum graft. Dental bonding adds composite-resin to the surface of your teeth that will add an outer layer of protection. Not only does it add strength, but it also improves the appearance of your smile. Gum grafting is the appropriate treatment for someone with an extreme gum recession. Gum recession occurs due to aggressive brushing or gum disease, so it’s important to take proper care of your teeth in order to prevent this from occurring.

If your tooth sensitivity is due to a problem with the core of your tooth, you may require root canal treatment. This means we’ll drill into your tooth, remove the pulp, and replace it with a filling. This treatment is necessary for patients with tooth decay or damage that can leave them at risk for an abscess.

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Changing your diet and exercise have a positive influence on your dental health. Some foods and drinks wear away at enamel over time such as carbonated drinks, juice, sugary food, or anything too acidic. Choosing healthy foods that are high in protein and calcium helps you protect your teeth and give your enamel added strength. Drinking water also keeps your mouth healthy, and it reduces the risk of experiencing tooth sensitivity over time. Talk to our North Palm Beach dentist to learn more about how your lifestyle habits are potentially increasing your tooth sensitivity.

Many people grind their teeth while they sleep which causes tooth sensitivity throughout the rest of the day. Teeth grinding is most commonly attributed to stress, though it can occur while we sleep. Oftentimes people don’t know they suffer from bruxism until they start to have frequent headaches or their teeth become worn down or loose.

An easy way to treat bruxism is to wear a mouthguard to bed at night. This will prevent your teeth from grinding together and ease up the pressure you put on your jaw. In some cases, a muscle relaxer is prescribed to help a patient release tension in the body when they go to bed. Our dentist of North Palm Beach advises that you limit your intake of caffeine, which is contributing to your body’s stress level. Another way to relax your jaw after a particularly stressful day is to put a warm washcloth on your face for a few minutes to help release tension.

If you experience persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important that you speak to our dentist of North Palm Beach. A mild toothache today can be a dental emergency tomorrow. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, call Premier Dentistry today to discuss your treatment options.