Dealing with sensitive teeth can be a pain, but there are options for relief. Explore this article from Sensodyne for advice on how to relieve sensitive teeth today.
Sensitive Teeth Relief: What You Need to Know
Do you have sensitive teeth? If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, research estimates that roughly one out of every eight Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity.i Although it’s common, sensitive teeth is still something you should take seriously. Explore the guide below to find the right remedy for your sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
To find relief for sensitive teeth, first you need to understand why tooth sensitivity occurs. Tooth sensitivity can be a result of exposed dentin or worn tooth enamel.ii You will most likely notice tooth sensitivity when you consume hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and beverages.iii Here are a few potential causes of sensitive teeth:
- Brushing too hard
- Receding gums and gum disease
- Consuming overly acidic foodsiv
- Harsh whitening proceduresvi
How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. As you read above, sensitivity can be the result of a more serious issue, such as receding gums caused by gum disease. Together, you and your dentist can talk about the discomfort you’re experiencing. After pinpointing the cause or causes, you can explore options for treatment.
According to the American Dental Association, sensitive teeth relief options include:
- Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Sensodyne can help relieve tooth sensitivity with twice daily brushing.* For active whitening with sensitivity protection, try Sensodyne Clinical White toothpaste.
- Apply a fluoride gel. Fluoride gel can be applied at the dentist’s office to relieve sensitivity. Ask your dentist if fluoride gel might be a good option for you.
- Bonding. Techniques like bonding can be used to improve your symptoms.
- Surgical gum grafts. A gum graft might be a good choice if your tooth sensitivity is caused by gum tissue loss, as it can help protect the root of the tooth and improve sensitivity symptoms.v
Sensitive Teeth Solutions
When it comes to sensitive teeth relief, it’s not a one-size-fits all situation. Depending on the cause of sensitivity, as well as any relevant oral health history, treatment options can vary. Talk to your dentist today to begin your path to healthy, sensitivity-free teeth today.
*Sensodyne products are intended for relief of occasional dentin hypersensitivity that can occur when tooth enamel wears away and exposes the soft, inner part of your tooth called dentin. When the dentin is exposed and loses its protective covering, this can lead to hypersensitivity and discomfort when you eat hot foods, drink cold liquids, eat sweet or sour foods or when you breathe through your mouth.
Source Citations:
i. The Perils of Sensitive Teeth. University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2017/12/senstive-teeth.php. Accessed 1/3/2022.
ii. Teeth Sensitivity. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity. Accessed 9/24/2020.
iii. Sensitive Teeth - Heat and Cold Sensitivity | MouthHealthy. Oral Health Information from the ADA. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sensitive-teeth/. Accessed 1/8/22.
iv. Teeth Sensitivity Possible Causes. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity/possible-causes. Accessed 9/23/2020.
v. Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854. Accessed 9/23/2020.
vi. Time for tooth whitening? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/time-for-tooth-whitening. Accessed 1/8/22.
