If you have noticed that your teeth feel sensitive, or that you’re regularly battling dental discomfort, our Santa Monica dentists are here to help. Today we are going to be talking about why sensitivity develops, as well as what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more…
What Causes Dental Sensitivity?
Dental sensitivity can develop for a number of reasons, some more serious than others. Some people, for example, find that their teeth are temporarily sensitive after a professional cleaning or after using whitening formulations.
More long-term, chronic sensitivity, however, is an indicator that some part of the protective layers of your smile have broken down. If you grind your teeth, your enamel may have worn down. Enamel can also weaken due to regular exposure to acidic foods and drinks. And, of course, if one of your teeth is infected, you’ll likely experience tooth pain.
Discomfort occurs when your dental nerves are no longer adequately protected by enamel or gum tissue. So, the first thing that our dental team will do is to take a look at your smile, and pinpoint the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
Are There Treatments Available To Me?
The short answer is, “yes!” The longer answer is that in order to achieve lasting relief, you have to tailor your treatment protocol to meet your needs.
One option is to use products that contain nerve-soothing ingredients. Switching from a standard toothpaste to one that is safe for sensitive teeth, for example, can make a big difference, especially for patients who are dealing with occasional discomfort.
Another way to move forward is to undergo treatments that strengthen your natural dental or gum tissue. Generally speaking, people with periodontal disease experience much less discomfort once their gums are healed and more resilient again. Topical fluoride treatments are used to encourage dental enamel remineralization.
Finally, restorative dental treatments can build-up and replace missing tissues, thus repairing the insufficient protective layers of your smile. If your gums are damaged due to periodontal disease, it might be time to ask your dentist if gum grafts are right for you. Repairing damaged teeth with composite resin or porcelain restorations will likewise shield the more sensitive layers of your teeth.
Our Santa Monica dentists are happy to help you in any way that we can. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to get more information, and to schedule a personal consultation.