By Dr. Gianino

Teeth can be sensitive to a variety of thingsair, pressure, heat, cold or sweetsand these sensitivities can cause anything from slight discomfort to unbearable pain. The cause behind the sensitivity can be one of many things.

An undetected cavity Overuse of mouth washes and rinses Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel causing the dentin or inside of the tooth to be exposed Poor oral hygiene and not brushing or flossing your teeth can leave them exposed to plaque and cavity-causing acids Receding gums that expose the roots of the teeth which are more sensitive Enamel erosion that exposes the root surfaces of a tooth and leaves it exposed to sensations of heat or cold Over-the-counter tooth whitening products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm gum tissue thus causing sensitivity Gum disease manifests in inflamed and sore gum tissue which is prone to sensitivity Cracked teeth Plaque build-up Grinding your teeth Acidic foods can actually dissolve tooth enamel overtime exposing the dentin of the tooth which is more sensitive.

A lot of sweet foods can cause tooth problems since the sugar will combine with the bacteria in your mouth to create an acid that eats away at the enamel on your teeth The treatment for teeth sensitivity will vary depending on the cause of the sensitivity which, with a thorough examination, your dentist will be able to help you determine. There are some things that you can do at home to reduce sensitivity: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day Use a soft-bristled tooth brush and brush gently so that you are not causing any damage to your tooth enamel or gums Stay away from high acid foods Cut down your intake of sweet or sugary foods Use a toothpaste with fluoride since this mineral can actually strengthen your tooth enamel Use desensitizing toothpaste that helps block sensations from going to the nerves in your teeth.

If over-the-counter products dont work and your dentist determines that there are no teeth or gum-related problems behind the sensitivity, he or she may suggest a gel or desensitizing agent that can be applied in a dentists office. If neither of these work, your dentist may suggest using a coat of plastic sealant on the exposed root (or roots) of the sensitive tooth (or teeth) to cover them and reduce the sensitivity

If your dentist determines that the sensitivity is being caused from dental problems, procedures such as removing cavities and filling your teeth, performing a root canal or scaling and planing of gum tissue to remove infections may be required. If gum tissue has actually been lost, a surgical gum graft can be done which will cover your tooth root and protect the tooth and reduce the sensitivity. If tooth grinding is found to be the cause of the sensitivity, your dentist may construct a night guard that will protect your teeth from grinding that happens when you sleep.

Whatever the cause, you do not have to deal with slight discomfort or unbearable pain from tooth sensitivity. If you are not able to reduce the sensitivity by using the suggestions of the things that you can do, your dentist will be able to help you determine the cause and treat the problem.

About the Author: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams – the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at

DrGianino.com

. He would love to hear from you.

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