Do you experience pain or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweets or very hot or cold foods?
You may have sensitive teeth.
Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go.
Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still
important, however, to discuss your symptoms with your dentist to
determine the cause and proper treatment.
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY?
In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums
and by your teeth’s hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin,
called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by
certain foods and beverages.
Dentin can be exposed by:
- Receding gums caused by improper brushing or gum disease
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Erosion
TREATING TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend one or more of
the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:
- A soft-bristle toothbrush, like Oral-B® Sensitive Advantage®, to be gentle on gums or a powered brush.
- A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist.
- A desensitizing toothpaste, like Crest® Sensitivity Protection or Crest® Pro-Health.
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