If you’ve ever experienced tooth sensitivity — perhaps while eating cold ice cream or drinking hot tea — then what you’ve really experienced is nerve irritation. And to call the ordeal unpleasant is an understatement.
Whenever your teeth’s hard enamel wears away or you have receding gums, the little tubes situated under the hard enamel become exposed, and this results in your feeling pain if you eat or drink hot or cold things.
For more information on this condition, how to prevent it and how to address it, read on.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, preventing the problem is a whole lot easier than remedying it when the problem sets in. One way you can prevent this sensitivity problem from occurring is to check which brand of toothpaste you use. Specifically, some brands have ingredients that are abrasive to the extent that they can actually be damaging to people with sensitive teeth. If in doubt, ask your dentist for recommendations on toothpastes that are safe to use.
Addressing the Problem
If you already have sensitive teeth, you can fortunately do something to at least alleviate the discomfort. For instance, you can lessen tooth sensitivity by brushing your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste. Moreover, your dentist can treat you with sealants to reduce sensitivity issues. There are also other things you can do to lessen the problem. You can, for instance, reduce the amount of acidic food and drink you consume, avoid over consumption of soft drinks, and steer clear of toothbrushes that are too firm.
When to Tell Your Dentist
In the event that you experience tooth sensitivity for at least three consecutive days, you should consult your dentist to get an assessment done. Don’t underestimate the importance of a proper diagnosis. Sometimes symptoms can have lots of root causes; your dentist will be able to ascertain what you have and how to go about treating it.
How Can Dentist Help?
Your dentist has a lot of different things he or she can do to provide you with relief. From on-site treatment to patient-administered treatments, there are plenty of options. If your dentist discovers that you have dentin hypersensitivity, he or she might apply a desensitizing agent. Over-the-counter products are also a possibility to help you deal with the problem.
So if you have a sensitivity issue, don’t despair. It can be treated so that you can enjoy an ice cream cone or a cup of your favorite herbal tea without encountering extreme discomfort.