Tooth Sensitivity in Michigan
Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, you are not alone. Almost every individual has sensitive teeth at some point. It's most common in people age 20 to 45, especially women. Teeth can hurt when you consume hot or cold foods and beverages, inhale cold air, or even brush your teeth with cold water. Sometimes, very spicy foods or overly sweet foods and drinks and cause the sharp pain. Since the pain is often temporary, some people ignore the issue, considering the problem only a nuisance, but they don't have to do this. At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we can help you get back to enjoying the foods and beverages you like without pain.
How Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
Every tooth has an outer protective service called enamel. Enamel is extremely hard, and it protects the two inner layers of a tooth. Underneath the enamel is the dentin and then there is the pulp on the inside. If something happens to the enamel, like it erodes or is damaged, hot and cold sensations can reach the porous dentin and the sensations can travel to the pulp where the nerves are. You can have generalized sensitivity or sensitivity in one tooth, depending on how the enamel became compromised.
What Is Making My Teeth Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is also known as dentin sensitivity. This is because your teeth are normally covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Underneath the enamel is dentin, which is also a hard tissue, but unfortunately, it can relay hot and cold sensations to the pulp. The pulp is the living part of a tooth that contains the nerves. If the enamel is compromised by erosion or decay, the dentin will relay pain sensations to the pulp. These sensations can include hot or cold substances and acidic or very sweet substances.
What Advice Can Dentists Give About Teeth Sensitivity?
Aa a general rule your dentist in Michigan will want to examine your teeth to find the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth in order to resolve the issue. If your teeth are only sensitive on one side of your mouth, you could have a cavity or a fractured tooth. When you experience pain, it's often hard to isolate the tooth to tell the dentist, so you would need a complete examination. You may only need a filling, a failing filling replaced, or bonding to cover a hairline fracture to get relief.
Dentists can provide custom mouthguards to wear at night if you grind your teeth. These help prevent tooth sensitivity by stopping further enamel erosion. While you can buy a nightguard almost anywhere, dentists ensure you have a custom made device that is comfortable to wear, so you don't skip wearing it at night.
Dentists can offer fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps fortify enamel and protects teeth from both sensitivity and tooth decay. The treatments are fast and easy. A varnish is painted on teeth, and once dry, it is complete.
If you have sensitive teeth because your gums are receding from gum disease, your dentist can help. The roots of your teeth are not protected by enamel, but another substance. If you have gum disease, your dentist can offer several treatments, such as gum grafts or bonding to protect the roots from causing you pain.
Your dentist can also recommend lifestyle changes. If you enjoy acidic foods and beverages, you should limit them. Use a straw to limit soda and energy drinks to limit their exposure to your teeth. If you consume something like orange juice, wait about 20 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Can I Prevent My Teeth From Becoming Sensitive?
The first thing you can do is maintain a schedule of regular dental exams as recommended by your dentist in Michigan. When you have a regular dentist, they can check your teeth for anything that may cause sensitivity, such as loose fillings and decay. Having a dentist familiar with your dental history is invaluable in preventing sensitive teeth and other dental issues.
Make sure you always brush your teeth correctly. Don't fall into the trap of believing you have to scrub your teeth with a toothbrush with hard bristles to get them clean. This isn't necessary, and it can erode your enamel. Also, avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Watch your diet. Having orange juice all day long may sound healthy, but the acid in it can damage your tooth enamel. Use a straw to keep all acidic drinks from your teeth and wait at least 20 minutes before brushing.
Wear a nightguard while sleeping if you grind your teeth. While you should work on the cause of your teeth grinding, usually stress, don't wear down your enamel in the meantime. Your dentist can create a tailor made one for you that will be comfortable at fit perfectly.
Avoid using teeth whitening products from the drugstore more often or longer than directed. If you're not getting the results you expect, contact our dentist in Michigan for advice. You deserve white teeth, but not at the cost of damaging your tooth enamel. Call us today for a consultation for a safe, dentist-supervised whitening program that will get you the look you want.
Where Can I Get Affordable Care in Michigan for Sensitive Teeth?
At Gentle Dental of Michigan in Michigan, we perform the same services as general dentists do in the community. We offer our care with compassion in a welcoming office where you will feel comfortable. Our goal is to provide affordable preventative care to help you avoid potentially painful and expensive dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, and sensitive teeth.
Don’t live with sensitive teeth. You deserve to enjoy dates for coffee, ice cream sundaes, and other treats in peace. Call us to meet our dentist in Michigan and learn why you have sensitive teeth. We'll find a solution for you that lets you get on with your life.
