How to Minimize Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
It is common for tooth enamel to wear down or become compromised by damage. However, unless an obvious injury occurs, or a problem is diagnosed at a routine dental exam and cleaning, an individual may not even realize that the teeth have weakened. One potential signal that a person may be in need of restorative dentistry treatment to strengthen the teeth and restore a protective layer of tooth enamel is increased tooth sensitivity.
If consuming hot or cold foods or beverages has begun to cause pain, a dental exam should be scheduled to determine the source of the problem. At Dental Solutions, we offer treatment for tooth sensitivity to hot and cold that improves the oral health of our Warsaw, IN patients and allows them to eat and drink the foods and beverages they enjoy without worrying about oral pain.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
When you take the time to consider how the body is designed and the many tasks it can accomplish, it’s quite impressive. The teeth are a great example of this. Every day the teeth are used to bite down on hard, brittle, sticky, hot, and cold foods. Theoretically, this shouldn’t be a very pleasant task. Yet, the teeth do this without causing the body any pain or discomfort. That is because the sensitive nerves and tissues of the teeth are all gathered at the center of the teeth, where a hard, protective layer of tooth enamel surrounds them.
It is when the tooth enamel becomes worn down or damaged that tooth sensitivity to hot and cold (along with oral pain) may become a problem. Common causes of tooth sensitivity include the following:
- Tooth decay
- Acid erosion
- Periodontal disease
- Root canal infection
- Dental damage from an oral injury
- Damaged dental restorations
- General wear and tear due to aging
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be unpleasant. Most people who are dealing with sensitivity experience a sharp, shooting pain when the teeth are exposed to hot or cold. Fortunately, there are restorative dentistry treatments that can rebuild damaged or worn down tooth enamel so that the tooth’s sensitive nerves and tissues are, once again, protected. Our experienced dentists will tailor each treatment to the specific needs of the patient, but some common options for treating tooth sensitivity include:
- Fillings
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Periodontal treatment
Dental treatment can significantly reduce sensitivity so that patients can perform oral functions comfortably. However, a minimal amount of sensitivity may linger. To further avoid oral discomfort, patients with tooth sensitivity should consider the following oral care tips:
- Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid using excessive force when brushing
- Brush or rinse the mouth with water after every meal
- Try a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth
- Schedule biannual dental exams and cleanings to prevent serious dental complications
With proper care, most patients can preserve tooth strength and avoid oral pain.
Contact Us
Professional dental care is vital to the preservation of a strong, healthy smile. To learn more about the comprehensive range of dental treatments available at Dental Solutions, contact us at your earliest convenience.