Tooth Sensitivity in Northern New Jersey
A tooth twinge from something hot or cold, even cold air, may mean you have sensitive teeth. Imagine sitting at a café with your friends on a hot summer day. You all order iced tea, but you have to order one without ice and make sure it isn’t too cold before you drink it. You’re missing out on some of life’s great pleasures if you can't have ice cream, hot coffee, or anything else you enjoy. At Garden State Dental, we understand your frustration and want to help you.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. It protects your teeth from sensitivity by keeping hot and cold sensations away from the dentin, the teeth’s middle layer. Dentin has microscopic tubes that reach into the pulp, the innermost layer containing nerves. Despite enamel being the hardest substance found in the human body, it can erode over time or get a crack or hole in it.
Why Do I Have Tooth Sensitivity?
There can be several causes of tooth sensitivity. One can be brushing with too much vigor with a hard toothbrush. Another is grinding your teeth. Yet another one is having a tooth with a hairline fracture that you can’t see. This can explain why one tooth is sensitive and the others are not. Finally, if you want whiter teeth, you can overuse teeth whitening products that you bought from a store.
Some people just have naturally thin enamel which is usually a matter of genetics or poor childhood nutrition. Fortunately, this is a treatable condition that your dentist in Northern New Jersey can help with. He or she can offer treatments to fortify and protect your tooth enamel, plus advice on making lifestyle changes.
How Can I Fight Tooth Sensitivity?
Go over proper at-home dental care with our dental hygienist or dentist in Northern New Jersey. Don’t brush too hard and always use a soft toothbrush. If you’re using a home teeth whitening product, don’t overdo it. If your teeth are not as white as you want, talk to your dentist about a professional teeth whitening procedure.
Maintain regular dental exams to ensure you don’t develop any issues that could result in tooth sensitivity. If your dentist suggests a nightguard to prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), wear it every night.
You can also limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, including seemingly healthy food like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, pickles, sauerkraut, and energy drinks
Enjoy these items with a meal or rinse afterward. Wait 30 minutes after consuming to brush, though. Using a straw for beverages will also help limit exposure to your teeth.
What Are the Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity?
There are multiple options for making your teeth less sensitive. The first step is to see your dentist in Northern New Jersey to rule out any oral health issues, including cavities, fractured teeth, worn fillings, or gum disease that can lead to tooth sensitivity. Our dentist can spot if you have worn down enamel from grinding your teeth. If this is the case, he or she can order a custom nightguard for you and advise you on ways to stop grinding your teeth.
If your enamel is thin, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. He or she may also recommend a desensitizing toothpaste to eliminate any discomfort. Contact us today to learn how to talk to a dentist and learn more about fighting tooth sensitivity in Northern New Jersey.
Where Can I Find Affordable Help with Tooth Sensitivity?
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, see our dentist in Northern New Jersey. If you call for an exam, we can schedule a time for our dentist to review what is going on and what you can do to alleviate it. Call us today to make an appointment.
Sensitive teeth are both preventable are curable. You deserve a life where you can have your favorite hot and cold drinks, as well as enjoy a day on the ski slopes without wincing in pain every time you take a breath of the cold air. At Garden State Dental. we're dedicated to stopping your pain and getting your teeth and gums healthier.
