My Sensitive Teeth Are A Real Pain!

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain.  If you are one of the many people out there who avoid cold foods and drinks, hot liquids, sweets and even cringe a little from brushing and flossing, then you know exactly what I am talking about.  

I’ve had sensitive teeth for as long as I can remember.  I started using sensitive teeth toothpaste as a teenager, but it did not solve my problem.  I never complained about my sensitive teeth to my dentist, which was probably a mistake.  I finally mentioned it to the dental hygienist as she prepared to clean my teeth.  I could not bear the thought of the shock of pain I would feel when she worked on the sensitive areas of my teeth.  I went ahead and told her.  Once I told her about my sensitive teeth, she did something completely amazing.  My dental hygienist avoided the most sensitive areas with her dental instruments, providing an extremely comfortable dental cleaning experience and set me up with a solution to my painful dental problem!

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Outside of a dental problem such as decay, gum disease or fracture, teeth can become sensitive as a result of worn enamel, thin or demineralized enamel, erosion of the teeth and even whitening treatments.  It is important to consult Dr. Burroughsabout your tooth sensitivity in order to determine the cause.  Dr. Burroughs will be able to recommend a treatment for your sensitive teeth based on the cause and severity of the problem.

Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

There are several approaches to treating sensitive teeth.  It turns out that contrary to my previous belief, sensitive teeth are pretty common and there’s more that can be done about it than just switching to a special toothpaste.  Here are the most popular treatments for sensitive teeth

•         Using an over the counter sensitive toothpaste

•       Using fluoride gel to brush your teeth

•          Using fluoride gel application trays

•          Having fluoride applied directly to your tooth surface by your dentist

For very severe sensitivity problems where there is excess tooth enamel erosion or exposure of a portion of the tooth root, Dr. Burroughs may recommend dental crowns or veneers to protect the tooth surface.

How Do I Get Help For Sensitive Teeth?

You can do what I did, and mention your tooth sensitivity the next time you see Dr. Burroughs.  He will know which treatment option will work best for you.  You will be happy to finally be able to eat ice cream without pain!