Posted by WAYNE H. MORI on Sep 15 2021, 09:39 PM
Have you ever felt pain or discomfort in your teeth while tasting hot or cold foods? If yes, your teeth might be sensitive. Statistics show that about 10-30% of the population experience tooth sensitivity.
Sensitivity in the teeth, also called dentin hypersensitivity, is a dental condition in which people experience sharp pain or discomfort when their teeth get exposed to harmless stimuli like hot or cold. If you feel a numbing pain or throbs whilst eating ice cream or biting down on a hot pizza, it might be because you have sensitive teeth.
Does that mean you have to give up eating your favorite foods? Absolutely not! Sensitivity in teeth can be very easily and effectively treated.
The American Dental Association recommends a few treatment methods depending on the cause and extent of the issue. These range from using a desensitizing toothpaste, to surgical gum grafts.
The common tooth sensitivity treatment methods include:
The active agents contained in desensitizing toothpaste like potassium and fluoride reduce the pain by blocking the transmission of sensitivity from the surface to the roots.
A root canal is done when the sensitivity reaches an extreme level or the pain becomes intolerable and cannot be treated by other means. If you don’t go to the dentist when the pain first starts, you might require a root canal to treat it.
It's an in-office technique where a fluoride gel or certain desensitizing agents are applied directly to the sensitive areas of teeth.
In this method, a piece of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth or nearby healthy gum and is placed in the part where it’s worn away. This protects the tooth and reduces hypersensitivity.
A bonding resin is introduced to the sensitive roots to prevent or reduce sensitivity.
The above treatments are a great remedy for sensitive teeth. But following good oral hygiene is of paramount importance if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure to brush as well as floss your teeth at least twice every day. But make sure to not brush your teeth aggressively, as that might actually lead to tooth sensitivity.
Remember, a good oral hygiene regime guarantees healthy teeth.
If sensitive teeth trouble you, we are here to help. Book an appointment with Dr. Wayne H. Mori online, call us at (503) 230-881, or visit the office at 700 NE Multnomah, St Suite 850, Portland, OR 97232.
