Sensitive Teeth Pain Relief: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

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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 Pain 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 not uncommon, tooth sensitivity is still something you should take seriously. Explore the guide below to find the right way to relieve your symptoms.

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
  • Overly acidic foodsiv

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 pain relief options include:

  • Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Sensodyne can help relieve tooth sensitivity with twice daily brushing.*
  • 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 pain 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, pain-free teeth today. In the meantime, learn more about sensitive teeth and gum health with Sensodyne.

*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.

Sources:

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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. Ibid.

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.