Have you been noticing an increase in dental sensitivity and discomfort? Our Cheney dentists have found that his is a common occurrence during the summer, as people eat and drinks more cold and frozen treats. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize discomfort and get back on track…
Underlying Causes
The most sensitive part of your tooth is the nerve that resides in the dental pulp. If you start noticing more discomfort or sensitivity than is normal, this likely means that the inner nerve of your tooth is too exposed. This can happen when dental enamel thins and wears away, and it can also happen as gum tissue degrades and recedes from the tooth root.
At-home Options
A simple solution of warm water and salt can sooth irritated nerves and dull pain. You may also want to try a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water as mouth rinse. Additionally, try incorporating soothing ingredients into your daily diet—look for goodies that include turmeric, green tea, and capsaicin!
Specialty Products
As you address dental pain and discomfort, consider swapping your current oral hygiene products for some that are formulated specifically for sensitive teeth. There are a number of toothpastes and mouth rinses on the market that are designed to be gentle for sensitive teeth. Plus, many of these formulations contain ingredients that actively sooth overactive nerves.
Long-term Treatments
Professional treatments for dental sensitivity focus on building up diminished or weakened parts of your smile to, ultimately, better protect your dental nerves. If, for example, your enamel is particularly thin, you may choose to reinforce your natural teeth with a layer of composite resin. Similarly, periodontal treatment supports gum tissue regeneration, so that your dental nerves are shielded below the gum line.
The best way to figure out how to move forward treating dental sensitivity is to complete a consultation with our Cheney dentists. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re here for you!