Guide: Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can cause mild or severe pain in your teeth and make it difficult to engage in certain activities such as drinking, eating, and brushing. Typically, sensitivity results from wearing the enamel, but it can also happen due to a tooth cavity chipped or cracked teeth, gum disease, or a worn filling.

There are various treatments for tooth sensitivity to help deal with this problem, and your doctor can advise on the proper treatment for you. Here are a few treatment methods professionals may recommend; however, always discuss them with your dentist before doing any.

Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste

Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste contains a small amount of fluoride that helps strengthen teeth and reduce sensitivity. It also contains potassium nitrate, which prevents pain from traveling from nerves to the brain.

To use this product, apply a small amount of your chosen flavor to your toothbrush before brushing. You can also use it as a rinse after meals or snacks that might be causing your teeth to feel sensitive.

You should not use over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste if:

– You are allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or triclosan

– You have a sulfite allergy

In-office professional treatment

A dentist or hygienist can do the in-office professional treatment. A surgical gum graft is a standard in-office procedure that helps reduce sensitivity. It involves taking gum tissue elsewhere in your mouth and attaching it to the affected area. This keeps the sensitive part from contacting food and other substances that cause sensitivity. The treatment cost can vary depending on what you need to be done and how many teeth are involved.

In-home fluoride rinses

Fluoride rinses are available over the counter and can be used to treat tooth sensitivity. They harden the enamel to help soothe sensitivity and prevent dental caries. Fluoride may be the solution if you have been using desensitizing toothpaste with no positive results.

Mouth guards or other products that protect teeth while you sleep

Mouth guards can be worn at night to protect teeth from grinding, clenching, and other nighttime activities that cause damage to your teeth. Mouth guards are made of plastic or rubber and fit in the mouth during the day, so they don’t get in the way while you sleep. You can easily purchase them at a drugstore or pharmacy.

Recaldent chewing gum

Recaldent chewing gum is a great way to reduce tooth sensitivity, especially if you’re experiencing it due to dental work. The best type of recaldent chewing gum should be sugar-free, which means it contains xylitol instead of sugar or saccharin. You should chew it for at least 30 minutes for maximum efficiency. Recaldent chewing gum also helps to alleviate gum disease in children.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to sterilize cuts, wounds, and burns to prevent infections, but it can also be used to soothe tooth sensitivity and prevent inflammation. You only need to add 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to warm water and rinse your mouth. Spit the solution after five minutes and rinse with clean water.

Root canal

A root canal is considered the most effective solution for severe or painful tooth sensitivity and involves the removal of the sensitive nerves from the affected tooth. While the process may seem somewhat invasive, it is advisable if you want to solve the problem once and for all. If you have sensitivity due to a cracked or chipped tooth, visit your doctor as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity Summary

Teeth sensitivity is a common dental problem. Thankfully, as mentioned, these treatments for tooth sensitivity, such as over-the-counter products and in-office professional treatment, can be beneficial.

Be sure to talk to your dentist before trying any home remedy for your teeth sensitivity for professional advice and tailored solution.

Do you need a dentist to speak with to find the best treatments for tooth sensitivity? Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Paul Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental in West Orange, New Jersey. Being rated a top NJ dentist for over ten years is an excellent accomplishment. So contact today. You can rest assured you will be happy you did.