It’s common for patients to get tooth sensitivity in the fall and winter months as the temperatures outside change. However, you can still have that tooth sensitivity in the comfort of your own home. Heaters, temperature changes, what you’re eating and drinking and your oral health care can all make a difference in your tooth sensitivity. With a few simple recommendations, you can find out what to do when your teeth hurt and if it’s something you should be concerned about.

Common Causes for Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is felt by more people than you may initially think.  In fact, a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) revealed that 1 in 8 people have sensitive teeth, reports WebMD. “Sensitive teeth were most common in young adults, women and people who had receding gums or did at-home tooth whitening,” wrote WebMD.

What causes all these reports of tooth sensitivity? Consider the following common culprits for the condition:

• Clenching and Teeth Grinding
• Brushing Aggressively
• Hot Drinks
• Teeth Whitening
• Illness
• Sugar-filled foods
• Periodontal disease or tooth decay

Teeth Contraction Due to Cold

Did you know that when temperatures plummet in the winter, your teeth respond by contracting? This can trigger cracks in your teeth and leave your teeth sensitive to cold temperatures and sweets.

What Can be Done to Treat Sensitive Teeth

If you are having symptoms of sensitive teeth, don’t procrastinate treatment. Sensitive teeth could be an indicator of severe tooth decay that could lead to more invasive treatment or irreversible conditions.  Consider the following treatment methods for sensitive teeth:

• Making diet modifications: Diet is often to blame for problems with sensitive teeth. Tooth enamel that has been weakened overtime by sugar can cause gums to recede and expose sensitive nerves to cold, heat and sweets.
• A fluoride application: Fluoride is a natural mineral that a dentist can apply to your sensitive teeth. This application strengthens the enamel and thus prevents sensitivity because of exposed dentin.

• Covering root surfaces: A dentist can apply a sealant to fix problems with receding gums.
• Making a mouth guard: If you clench or grind your teeth, a dentist can make a mouth guard to prevent you from damaging your teeth in your sleep. This can help with jaw pain as well.

• Root canal treatment: During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the soft pulp inside the damaged tooth. This is recommended to fix issues with deep decay or a cracked or chipped tooth.
• Drinking water after consuming acidic foods or drinks: drinking water immediately after having acidic food or drink, such as fruit, orange juice, wine or coffee, and avoiding brushing for 10 or 15 minutes following these acidic foods could help prevent sensitive teeth

Call for a Dental Checkup and Evaluation

Targeting the source of your tooth sensitivity can best be done by visiting our office. Even the healthiest patients need regular dental checkups. Many times, there may be areas of your teeth or gums that you cannot see on your own at home which have underlying problems. A visit to Premier Dentistry of Eagle can help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid problems. Dr. Shane S. Porter is pleased to provide comprehensive dental treatments to meet all of your dental needs and desires.

Since 1999, our dentist and team have proudly provided excellent dentistry in Eagle, Idaho, as well as the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise, Idaho. We welcome you to call or visit us today to learn more about our services and to set up your family’s next visit with our friendly team. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!

Call Premier Dentistry of Eagle at 208-546-0655 today to schedule an appointment.