An old friend is coming back into town, and to celebrate you’re going to see a Patriots game with them. You’re having a great time and the team is doing well when you start to get a little hungry. You get some ice cream, thinking it’ll be a yummy snack. You take a huge bite, only for a jolt of pain to shoot through your teeth! Why are your teeth so sensitive? Fortunately, your family dentist in Norwood has the answers, and can offer treatment options to soothe your discomfort.
Possible Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth may be sensitive for several reasons, such as:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Exposed tooth root
- Gum disease
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Worn down tooth enamel
Enamel is the hard substance that protects the crowns, or the chewing surfaces, of your teeth. It is the hardest material in your entire body, but it can eventually be eroded by daily wear and tear, and consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Underneath the enamel is a layer called dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel. It contains microscopic tubules that lead to the nerves of the tooth. The more dentin is exposed, the more sensitive your teeth are to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. More dentin may be exposed as a result of tooth decay, or a receding gumline due to gum disease.
How Your Dentist in Norwood Can Treat Sensitive Teeth
Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Fluoride application. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs in nature and makes tooth enamel stronger against both decay and erosion. It also reduces the transmission of sensation from the surface of the tooth to the underlying nerve.
- Desensitizing toothpaste. This toothpaste contains elements that also block transmission of sensations from potentially painful stimuli. Although it may take a few applications before it fully starts working, it will be worth it.
- Gum graft. If your sensitivity is due to gum disease or an exposed tooth root, your dentist can perform a surgical gum graft to protect the root and drastically reduce sensitivity.
- Crown. Also known as a cap, a crown slips over the tooth to protect it from direct exposure.
- Root canal. If none of the above treatments have worked, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to remove the nerve from the tooth and stop any pain.
With all these treatment options available, there’s no reason to not get your painful problem dealt with. Ask your dentist how you can adjust your daily oral hygiene routine to prevent future sensitivity.
About the Practice
At Central Dental Associates, we have a team of five dentists who all bring unique skills to our Norwood, MA practice. We offer fluoride treatments, crowns, root canals, and all sorts of options to treat your sensitive teeth. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact our office via our website or by calling (781) 769-3566.