By Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania
Tooth Sensitivity in Pennsylvania
Do you brush your teeth with warm water and always let your coffee cool down considerably before drinking it? If you don’t, you may experience the same sharp pain you feel when you bite into a popsicle. After a while, you get used to having sensitive teeth and altering your dietary habits, but sensitive teeth are treatable. Come in and talk to our dentist in Pennsylvania to learn about your options for treatment. This way, you can go back to enjoying your food and drinks at the temperature you want.
What Are Sensitive Teeth?
They are teeth that have lost enough enamel to expose the underlying dentin. When sensations, like hot or cold, reach the nerves in the tooth through the tubules in the dentin, pain occurs. It may only last a short while, but it is usually intense.
Your teeth may also become sensitive after a dental procedure, like having a cavity filled. This is just temporary, and will subside shortly. Your dentist will tell you how to minimize the sensitivity in the meantime and when it should go away.
Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
If just one tooth becomes sensitive, it could be decay, a crack, or a broken filling. Often, it is difficult to know which tooth is the one causing the pain. If all your teeth are sensitive, it could be because the enamel is worn down from grinding your teeth. It could also be because you have thin tooth enamel, possibly due to heredity. Sometimes, people wear down their enamel by brushing too aggressively with a hard toothbrush. Sometimes, people consume too many foods or drinks with acids in them, like colas or energy drinks, that can erode tooth enamel.
Some pregnant women experience teeth sensitivity. It usually goes away after the pregnancy, but at Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, our dentist can suggest ways to reduce the irritation, like desensitizing toothpastes and avoiding certain foods.
How Can My Dentist Help Me With Sensitive Teeth?
The first thing our dentist in Pennsylvania will suggest is a dental exam to rule out any dental issues. He or she can check for cavities and evidence that you grind your teeth in your sleep. Your dentist may suggest a desensitizing toothpaste to help stop your pain. Fluoride treatments can also strengthen your tooth enamel if it is naturally wearing thin. Call today to arrange a consultation to learn why your teeth are sensitive and what you can do about it.
Can I Prevent Sensitive Teeth?
Always brush your teeth with a toothbrush with soft bristles using a circular motion. It’s possible to wear down your enamel by brushing too aggressively. Ask your dentist for suggestions for products that contain fluoride and are not harmful to tooth enamel.
If you choose to consume acidic foods or drinks, protect your teeth by using a straw or drinking water while eating acidic food. Also, avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterward. If you have orange juice or grapefruit juice for breakfast, rinse your mouth afterward and wait to brush if you can.
Maintain a schedule of regular dental exams with your dentist in Pennsylvania. This gives your dentist a chance to spot dental issues early, like decay, loose fillings or gum disease, that can cause sensitive teeth.
Affordable Sensitive Teeth care in Pennsylvania
At Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, you can get help with your sensitive teeth or any other dental issue that arises. There’s no reason you should limit your diet because hot and cold foods hurt your teeth. At our modern office, our team can discover why your teeth are sensitive and help you find a solution.
If you want an appointment, please call our dental office in Pennsylvania, We would love to meet you and address your needs. Our friendly staff wants you to have a healthy, pain-free smile and eat whatever you want. Call us today!