If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, then you know it’s no picnic. Maybe just one part of your mouth is bothering you, or perhaps it feels like the whole thing is very sensitive. Either way, you should know what causes this condition and how to treat it.
Before you consult with a dentist in Sandy, Utah, you should understand some of the basics regarding this condition. We will take some time to talk about it right now.
What Are Some Possible Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
There are actually several different conditions that can cause tooth sensitivity. You can look at “sensitivity” as a blanket term that encompasses many situations that can impact your mouth.
Usually, though, if you have sensitive teeth, you can attribute it to one of two things. The first is worn down enamel. Your teeth have layers of hard enamel on them. This enamel is what protects your teeth from food, utensils, and the world in general.
If the enamel begins to wear down, your teeth can feel sensitive. Often, if this happens, it is because you have not been brushing and flossing enough. If you have been brushing and flossing enough, then maybe you have not been doing a vigorous enough job.
You can also wear the enamel on your teeth down if you eat a lot of candy and foods with sugar. You can wear it down by using certain drugs as well.
If you can’t attribute your tooth sensitivity to the enamel wearing down, then the other likely scenario is that some of your roots are exposed. If this happens, then the most probable situation is that you have a tooth knocked out or cracked.
If this happens, the root of the tooth might still be exposed. This is almost certain to cause sensitivity in that part of the mouth if not pain.
How Common is This Condition?
Tooth sensitivity impacts millions of people. Even if you do not have tooth sensitivity right now, the chances are very high that you will experience it at some point.
If you experience tooth sensitivity in passing, then you might feel better relatively quickly. However, in situations where your teeth are feeling sensitive for extended periods of time, that is when you will need to come up with a viable solution.
You Can Buy Some Sensitive Toothpaste
If you have sensitive teeth, then you can sometimes change your behavior to accommodate the condition. For instance, maybe you only have tooth sensitivity in one area of your mouth.
If so, then you can avoid chewing using that part of your mouth when you eat. If that doesn’t work, then you can buy and use some sensitive toothpaste.
Many brands make sensitive toothpaste, as this is such a common condition. You can buy one of the name brand sensitive toothpaste varieties. You might also go with one of the store brands of sensitive toothpaste if you are looking to save a little money.
The sensitive toothpaste will probably make it easier for you to brush your teeth and take care of them. However, if you’re still finding that it’s painful for you to eat certain foods, then it makes sense to contact a dentist and go to see them at your earliest convenience.
You Can Visit a Dentist and Get Their Advice
Often, you can find ways of alleviating your tooth sensitivity by using different toothpaste, modifying your diet, and so forth. Visiting a dentist and getting their expert opinion is always a smart option as well, though.
If you do a consultation with a dentist, that might worry you. Some people fear dentists. The sound of a drill is enough to send them running out of the office.
If you are afraid of dentists or nervous when you go to see one, have a friend or family member come with you. They can hold your hand and help you get through it if necessary.
When you see the dentist, tell them about what is happening to you. You can point to the spot or spots in your mouth that are the most sensitive.
They will probably look at your teeth, and they may also want to do a set of X-rays. This is a painless process that only takes a few minutes, and it can give the dentist insight into what is happening to you.
Once the dentist looks at your teeth and the X-rays, they can better determine what is happening. If they see that your enamel is worn down or that you have exposed roots, they can take steps to address those issues.
If your enamel is worn down, then the dentist might suggest you wear a mouthguard at night to keep you from grinding your teeth. They may also tell you to stay away from acidic foods that can irritate your condition. They will likely recommend using sensitive toothpaste as well.
You Can Have the Offending Tooth Removed
Maybe you have tooth sensitivity because of something that is going on with one particular tooth. If so, maybe that’s because it’s cracked or otherwise damaged.
That means the dentist will probably want to do some repairs. That might not sound like fun, but you need to get through it if you want to experience some significant relief.
Getting the tooth either drilled or removed will probably be your best option. Once you do that, after you go through the recovery period, you will probably be able to live your life with a lot less tooth sensitivity or pain.
You may also need to have multiple teeth removed or drilled if you have not been taking very good care of them. This won’t be an enjoyable process, but once you get it done, you will be able to have a fresh start.
Just because you weren’t taking care of your teeth for years doesn’t mean it’s ever too late. Being proactive and trusting a dentist to help you is probably the best path forward.