When you eat or take a drink, does your tooth ache? If you have sensitivity in your teeth, this could be a sign of weakened enamel or even indicate the earliest stages of tooth decay. Treatment is then crucial for preventing worsening pain or infection. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about how to avoid sensitive teeth and when to see our team for treatment!
The Factors Behind Sensitive Teeth
There are multiple reasons you could be experiencing tooth sensitivity. For example, if you are brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, this could make gums recede and expose portions of the roots, which are very sensitive. On the other hand, if you don’t brush or floss properly, this could allow plaque buildup to occur that weakens enamel and makes the risk of discomfort and even cavities more likely. If the discomfort only lasts a few hours, this is likely due to issues like air temperature or even sinus or allergy concerns. But if you have discomfort that lasts for more than a day or two, then you should see us right away for a diagnosis.
Treating Cavities and Infections
Our team will conduct a detailed examination of your smile so that we can assess the cause of your discomfort. If our team finds out that this is due to a cavity, then we can offer a filling to stop the discomfort. The treatment only takes one visit, and involves applying a metal-free composite resin filling that we can shade to blend with your smile, providing a natural appearance. In one visit, we could offer relief.
If your pain is related to an infection, then we could conduct a root canal to extract the tissues from within the tooth and replace them with a special filling material. We then cap the tooth with a dental crown to complete the procedure.
Improving Smiles from Home
You can also take steps to fight tooth sensitivity from home. Be sure you brush gently with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet is helpful too, as this helps limit plaque buildup. You should also floss every evening before bed, and consider using a desensitizing toothpaste. Finally, we recommend you see us for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months! If you have any questions about how we protect your smile and help you enjoy better comfort, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule An Appointment to Stop Sensitivity
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence and avoid painful symptoms. Call Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at 641-628-1121 to learn more about keeping your smile healthy and free of discomfort.