If you have sensitive teeth, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental concern. However, tooth sensitivity is not normal. If your teeth are sensitive, you should mention this to our dentist at your next dental visit. Dr. Paul W. Karpovich, a general dentist in Timonium, MD, treats patients with sensitive teeth daily.
Tooth pain and sensitivity could indicate the development of a severe dental problem. A dental professional like Dr. Karpovich can make suggestions to help reduce your tooth sensitivity. Don’t wait to treat sensitive teeth. Treating tooth sensitivity can prevent more complex and expensive treatment.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone at any time and for many reasons. In most cases, the symptoms of this condition are tooth pain or discomfort. You can experience tooth sensitivity when your teeth come in contact with hot, cold, or acidic foods or drinks. This pain is typically temporary and will wear off after a few seconds or minutes. But if your tooth pain is severe, this most likely means you have a damaged tooth.
Many dental problems can lead to tooth pain and discomfort. Some people have a thin enamel layer on their teeth, exposing the dentin layer. However, some people’s enamel layer has worn down over the years.
Other common causes of sensitive teeth include:
- Brushing teeth too hard
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Consuming acidic or high-sugar foods and drinks
- Teeth grinding
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Acid reflux
- Chronic dry mouth
- Aging
The most common problems that Dr. Karpovich sees as contributing to sensitivity are gum disease and teeth cavities. Both of these dental problems are caused by poor oral hygiene. Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity as a side effect of severe and untreated gum disease.
Damage to the tooth or the restoration of the tooth can lead to significant sensitivity. A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth should be addressed immediately to avoid this discomfort. If tooth damage exposes the nerves within the tooth or an infection exposes these nerves, you’re likely to experience tooth sensitivity.
Most dental restorations, such as a dental crown or filling, will have some wear and tear over the years. They can also be cracked and damaged. When this happens, it can lead to severe sensitivity.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth in Timonium, MD
How we treat your sensitive teeth will significantly depend on the reasons why your teeth are sensitive. After a consult with Dr. Karpovich, we will give you recommendations and schedule you for any procedures you will need. Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend any combination of these treatments:
- Buying toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Using mouthwash with fluoride
- Wearing a custom nightguard for teeth grinding
- Replacing broken dental restorations
- Fixing your cracked or chipped tooth
- Gum disease treatment
- Root canal therapy
- Receiving a dental filling
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Having dental bonding done on a tooth
- Getting a dental crown
Changing your oral health routine can make a big impact on your smile. Brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help minimize tooth pain. Flossing before brushing will reduce bacterial buildup that can infect the teeth and gums.
Your diet can also prevent pain if you have worn teeth. Acidic and sugary foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity as they affect the dentin or the dark layer beneath your tooth enamel. Acids can break down the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. Once acids reach the layer beneath the enamel, they irritate the dentin. This underlayer is more sensitive than your enamel.
Teeth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, is another common cause of sensitivity. Wearing a nightguard during sleep can cover the upper or lower teeth with hard plastic. Professional nightguards can help stop teeth grinding and prevent further wear to your teeth.
Restoring Damaged and Decayed Teeth
If you have worn teeth, you can receive veneers, bonding treatment, or dental crowns to cover and protect your teeth. Veneers are shell-like treatments that cover one or all of the teeth in the smile line. Porcelain veneers are color-matched to create a balanced look. Teeth bonding uses composite resin that covers chips, cracks, and other breaks in one or more teeth. Bonding treatment can cover the front of your tooth or add structure to a chipped tooth.
Crowns can fully cover your damaged tooth like a cap. Traditional crowns use metal. However, we can provide strong and natural-looking crowns using porcelain. Crowns can cover worn teeth, large tooth fractures, and significant areas of tooth damage.
If you have infected teeth, we may recommend these treatments:
Root Canal
Tooth cavities, gum disease, and other infections can create chronic tooth pain that worsens over time. Receiving immediate care from a professional can prevent lasting tooth pain. A root canal removes infected pulp from the inside of a tooth. Removing an infection and sealing the tooth will reduce pain and sensitivity.
Gum Disease Treatment
While gum disease infects the gum tissue, it can also lead to tooth problems. If you develop gum disease, you can experience gum recession. As the gums pull back from teeth, they expose the tooth roots. This leads to sensitivity and everyday discomfort. Deep cleanings can reduce this sensitivity and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
How Can I Care for Sensitive Teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, you can do things at home and at the dentist’s office to help reduce the discomfort. Taking good care of your teeth every day and seeing your dentist regularly can make a big difference.
One of the best things you can do at home is brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen your teeth and repair small areas of damage. Using this kind of toothpaste every day can make your teeth less sensitive over time.
It’s also important to visit the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. At these appointments, the dentist can find and treat problems like tooth decay or gum disease, which can cause or worsen sensitivity. Professional cleanings also help keep your mouth healthy, making it easier and more comfortable to brush and floss at home.
Fix Sensitive Teeth in Timonium, MD
Tell Dr. Karpovich at your next dental appointment if you suffer from sensitive teeth. He can find the cause of your sensitivity and recommend the right treatment. Call our Timonium, MD office at (410) 221-3085 to book your dentist appointment. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Karpovich on our website.