Any doctor or dentist will tell you that pain is a warning sign your body is sending to tell you something is amiss. Tooth sensitivity is no different. The sharp, quick pain you feel when you eat or drink something cold or hot is a warning sign to see your dentist.
THE ROOT OF SENSITIVITY
Sensitive teeth are usually caused by the poor oral care of gum disease or a lifetime of consuming acidic and sugary foods that wear away the protective enamel layer of your teeth. Either way, the end result is the same. As your teeth’s layers wear away, the dentin of your teeth is revealed; it contains hollow tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve. Your teeth’s exposed dentin and open tubules allow hot or cold items to get to stimulate the nerve, which causes pain and sensitivity. Other causes of sensitivity include cavities, old or worn fillings and tooth fractures.
SOLVING SENSITIVITY
The best resource for dealing with sensitive teeth is your dentist. Mild cases can be treated with a “sensitivity” tooth paste that creates a barrier over the sensitive areas. Another option is a fluoride gel treatment that your dentist applies to your teeth to strengthen the enamel. More serious cases might be treated with a barrier such as a tooth crown, overlay or bonding. Other cases might require a surgical gum graft to cover exposed roots or a root canal to remove the nerve altogether. No matter the cause, your dentist has a solution.
Word of Mouth is sponsored by Midtown Dental.
CREDIT
column by WILLIAM NERESTANT, DDS
BIO: William Nerestant, DDS, received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Detroit/Mercy School of Dentistry in Michigan. After serving and being recognized for his meritorious service in the Air Force as an officer in the Dental Corps, he currently serves patients at Midtown Dental in Lakeland. For more information, visit www.mymidtowndental.com or call (863) 226-0987.