How To Handle Dental Work When You Have Overly Sensitive Teeth

Dentist Articles

Some people have no problem with going to the dentist for teeth cleaning, but others do, and this can often be due to the sensitivity they have with their teeth. If your teeth and gums are overly sensitive, you might fear going in for your next cleaning; however, skipping this important service is not good for your oral health. If you want to experience less pain during teeth cleaning, you may want to take a few steps to reduce the sensitivity you experience with your teeth. Here are three things you should know about this.

The Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things, but the main reason is due to exposed dentin. The dentin in your teeth is found underneath the layer of enamel. Enamel is an extremely strong material that protects your teeth. As enamel wears off, it leaves the dentin exposed, and dentin contains nerves. When you feel sensitivity, it is likely from these small nerves in your teeth.

Enamel does not replenish itself, unfortunately, and the things you do in life might be causing you to lose your enamel. This can occur from the following activities:

  • Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • Eating foods that are acidic, because acid destroys enamel
  • Failing to keep up with your oral needs, such as not getting examined often or not getting a filling completed when needed
  • Suffering from untreated acid reflux disease, because this condition exposes your teeth to more acid than usual

Tooth sensitivity is common and is not something you can change overnight.

Ways To Deal With The Pain During Cleanings

The pain felt from sensitivity in teeth can be excruciating, especially when a dental hygienist begins scraping the plaque off the teeth near the gum lines. If you are afraid to get your teeth cleaned because of this, you may want to take the following steps to reduce your discomfort during your next cleaning:

  • Take pain medication before your appointment to help decrease the pain you feel
  • Ask for anesthesia to help you get through the cleaning
  • Visit a clinic that specializes in gentle dentistry work

If you let your hygienist know that you have sensitive teeth before you get your teeth cleaned, he or she might be a little more cautious when performing the job.

How To Reduce The Sensitivity With Your Teeth

The best thing you can do if you suffer from sensitive teeth is to fix the problem. Fixing the problem is something you might be able to by following these tips:

  • Switch to a different toothpaste – There are special types of toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you consistently use one of these types, over time you may experience less sensitivity with your teeth.
  • Ask for a desensitizing treatment – Dentists can provide desensitizing treatments to teeth to help with this. This involves placing a desensitizing agent over the teeth, and this agent is designed to block the nerves in your teeth.
  • Complete all necessary dental work – Keeping your teeth healthy may also help with sensitivity issues, so you should make sure you get everything done as needed.
  • Begin using fluoride rinses each day – Fluoride strengthens enamel, and using a rinse each day could help decrease sensitivity because of this.
  • Consider bonding for your teeth – Bonding involves placing a resin material over the teeth. This can help improve the way teeth look, but it can also cover up the exposed dentin in your teeth.

Getting your teeth cleaned is vital if you want to have healthy teeth and gums. If you are nervous because of the pain you might feel, make sure you visit a gentle dentistry clinic for services.   

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19 April 2016