The Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

When you have sensitive teeth, this could cause difficulty when you eat or drink, and could mean the presence of serious issues like a decayed or infected tooth. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about the factors behind your dental sensitivity, how you can ease discomfort, and our treatments for tooth decay.

The Factors Behind Tooth Sensitivity

Short lived discomfort could occur due to factors like sinus infection, allergy issues, or even visiting a higher elevation or riding in an airplane. If you have sensitivity when you eat or drink that doesn’t pass after a day or two, then please reach out to our team. For some, receding gums, which could be due to gum disease or brushing too hard could expose tooth structure and lead to discomfort. If you have a cavity in the early stages, the tooth could be sensitive too. If you grind your teeth, this could also cause prolonged sensitivity. Treatment is required to address the discomfort and protect your tooth from worsening decay or even an infected tooth.

Improving Smile Comfort

To help prevent discomfort, be sure you use a soft bristled toothbrush, and clean your teeth in circular patterns when moving along the gum line. Take time to floss every evening too, which removes the particles of food and drink that a toothbrush alone cannot reach. You can also find toothpastes with desensitizing ingredients to ease discomfort, and also eat a healthy diet. Cutting back on sugar and starch helps protect the teeth from major plaque buildup and weakens enamel, and items high in vitamins C and D can strengthen the smile too. You should also see our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning visit, so we can watch for the earliest signs of trouble and provide treatment. We also clean the teeth, which removes all plaque and tartar buildup from them.

Treating Tooth Decay

What if you have a cavity that is causing your sensitivity? Well, our team could provide a filling in one visit to repair the tooth and prevent infection. We use a lifelike composite resin that bonds with the tooth and can be shaded to blend with your smile seamlessly. We could also discuss treatments like scaling and root planing if you have serious plaque and tartar buildup that creates sensitivity too. Don’t live with discomfort in and around your smile, reach out to our team for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. Everyone deserves a healthy and comfortable smile, one that looks and feels great!

TALK TO OUR TEAM ABOUT TREATING SENSITIVE TEETH

We’re ready to treat the source of your sensitive teeth, improving the health of your smile often in as little as one visit. Give us a call at Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA at (641)628-1121.