Sensitive teeth? We can help alleviate your discomfort!

If the pleasure of enjoying a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping on a warm cup of tea is overshadowed by sharp dental pain, it's time to reach out to our office. As dedicated providers of care at the office of Maple Dental, we will determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on track towards optimal oral health.

It is estimated that close to 40 million adults in the United States suffer from some degree of dentin hypersensitivity. Those most affected are typically aged between 20 and 50 years old. Tooth sensitivity can range from a mild twinge to a severe jolt. Depending on the cause, the sensitivity may affect just one tooth or several. For some people, the discomfort is so significant it alters their daily routines. They may avoid ice-cold foods and drinks completely, use a straw each time they have a beverage, and keep their lips together when taking a breath in cold weather.

Common reasons for sensitive teeth:

• Exposed dentin due to gum recession or periodontal disease
• Wearing away of tooth structure from habits such as overaggressive tooth brushing or teeth grinding
• Chemical erosion of teeth from a diet high in acidic food or beverage.
• Overuse of teeth whitening agents.
• Health problems such as dry mouth, acid reflux, and eating disorders can also lead to irritated dentin and tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosing and treating sensitive teeth:

The first step in dealing with tooth sensitivity is to have your dentist determine what is causing your discomfort. A quick stinging pain in a tooth can be a result of any number of dental problems, including cavities, chipped or fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, worn tooth enamel, an exposed tooth root, or the temporary aftereffects of a recent dental procedure.

Once our dentist has determined that you are suffering from dentin hypersensitivity, we'll recommend an appropriate treatment plan. There are a variety of regimens we can offer you. These include both in-office services and products that can be applied at home.

Of course, good oral hygiene and regular dental care are essential for preventing gum recession and the development of dentin hypersensitivity. Our office will guide you on the correct brushing and flossing techniques to prevent the erosion of healthy tooth structure.

We may also recommend incorporating a specialized desensitizing toothpaste into your oral care routine. Desensitizing toothpaste frequently requires multiple applications over time to effectively alleviate discomfort.

Should desensitizing toothpaste prove insufficient, alternative therapeutic options are available, including fluoride gel and other topical desensitizing agents. In severe cases, more advanced dental procedures may be necessary. Treatment may include the placement of a filling or other dental restoration to seal off sensitive dentin or a surgical gum graft to cover exposed tooth roots. A root canal might be considered if dentin hypersensitivity persists despite other interventions.

Let's say goodbye to sensitive teeth!

There's no reason to let tooth sensitivity slow you down. We can help. Contact the office of Maple Dental today and take the first step towards a more comfortable smile.