Do practices such as breathing in cold air or taking a sip of a hot drink cause you to feel discomfort in your teeth? This is a sign that you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, a highly common dental condition that we often see when patients visit Savannah Dental Associates. Our dentist and have provided a brief explanation of tooth sensitivity to help you know how to avoid and treat it.
The dentin, which is the inner layer of the tooth below the tooth enamel, contains tiny tubules that transport fluid into the nerves of the teeth. The fluid moving inside the tubules can cause you to experience discomfort. This area of the tooth is normally covered by the hard layer of enamel, but the tubules can be exposed if you suffer gum recession or the tooth enamel wears down. You could be at a higher risk of this occurring if you tend to brush your teeth too aggressively or frequently expose your teeth to harmful acids as a result of drinking citrus juice or soda, or having a health condition like acid reflux or bulimia.
Exposing the tubules can cause you to feel discomfort whenever you eat or drink cold or hot foods, touch your teeth, or expose them to the chilly air.
Here are some treatments that can help reduce tooth sensitivity:
— Using a desensitizing toothpaste to brush your teeth
— Having dental sealants placed
— Receiving fluoride treatment
— Limiting soda and acidic foods
— Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
To learn more about the effects of tooth sensitivity and how it can be avoided and treated, we encourage you to visit our dentist, Dr. Philip Cooper, for a dental checkup at Savannah Dental Associates. Call 912-234-5003 today to learn how you can live free of tooth sensitivity in Garden City, Georgia.