Teeth sensitivity affects many people today, and it is associated with severe oral pain while consuming cold drinks. Tooth sensitivity can be exacerbated by exposed tooth roots or worn-down enamel. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by cavities and cracked or chipped teeth. Cracked teeth may expose underlying nerves to situations that cause sensitivity and can manifest as discomfort and pain.
The good news, however, is that tooth sensitivity is treatable. We recommend visiting your dentist if you begin to experience pain after drinking cold drinks or eating anything cold. Some of the ways to stop sensitive teeth are discussed below.
Common Treatments For Sensitive Teeth
Some of the most common treatments for sensitive teeth include:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: These toothpastes contain compounds that help to protect your dental nerve endings from irritants. Potassium nitrate is the most active ingredient in desensitizing toothpaste and functions by blocking nerve signals from nerves in the teeth to the brain. In addition to desensitizing toothpaste, you should use toothbrushes with soft bristles.
- Root Canal: Variables that lead to tooth sensitivity can also cause infection, which causes a great deal of discomfort. The best treatment option may be a root canal. With the help of a local anesthetic, your dentist will numb the treatment area. To relieve the pain, they will extract the pulp of the tooth. Your Markham cosmetic dentist will clean the site, fill the tooth, and finish the procedure by filling a crown over the tooth for added protection.
- Gum Graft Surgery: Over time, underlying teeth roots may become exposed, leading to tooth discomfort as a side effect of receding gums. You may be more sensitive to temperature variations than when your enamel wears off when this happens. Gum grafting is a procedure that relieves the pain of tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession. To cover the areas of gum recession, your periodontist uses donor tissue from another place. After this procedure, you can return to your normal activities within a few days.
- Fluoride: Flouride can be used to remineralize the enamel of your teeth and reduce sensitivity. It plays a significant role in defense against tooth sensitivity. In addition to familiar sources of fluoride such as toothpaste and drinking water, you can also get an additional amount from your dentist to help protect your teeth from becoming sensitive.
- Bonding/Desensitizing: In this cosmetic dentistry treatment, bonding resin is applied to the exposed root surfaces of the teeth by your dentist. They cover the nerve endings to protect them from things like drinks, meals, and the air you breathe. This helps to alleviate the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
- Saltwater rinse: This is an effective solution that can be done at home before seeing your dentist. Salt is known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Gargling with salt water twice a day can help alleviate the pain from tooth sensitivity. To use a self-water rinse, simply mix a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, swish the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds and throw it away.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild disinfectant and antiseptic. It’s often used to help prevent infection by sterilizing cuts, burns, and other wounds. Peroxide can also be used as a mouthwash to help heal gums and avoid inflammation. Mix two 3 percent hydrogen peroxide caps, swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Remember to rinse out your mouth with water to remove hydrogen peroxide that may remain in your mouth.
- Honey and warm water: Honey is a natural antibacterial that can be used to treat wounds. Honey can aid in the speeding up of the healing process as well as lowering pain. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. A mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of honey can be used to relieve pain from sensitive teeth. Oral healing will be aided by using this rinse.
While several home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of sensitive teeth, it is essential to visit a dental specialist if you genuinely want to stop sensitive teeth once and for all. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sensitive teeth, get in touch with your Markham dentist today.
Visit or book an appointment with our dentist in L6E 1M1 at Greensborough Dental for the highest quality of care in Markham, ON. Call us at 905-209-7222