Friday, January 16, 2015

Sensitivity: The Dental Connection!

If a sip of ice water, a spoonful of ice cream, or a piping hot latte is enough to send shivers up your spine from tooth sensitivity, be assured that you're not alone.  It's estimated that as many as one in eight adults suffers from tooth sensitivity.

Some of the common causes of sensitivity include brushing too hard, a cracked tooth, receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth bleaching, or other conditions that expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. For example, brushing too aggressively can injure your gums, and lead to exposed roots and tooth sensitivity.

When the enamel on the outside of the tooth or tissue located between the teeth breaks down or wears away, nerves inside the tooth are triggered, which are particularly noticeable when you drink or eat anything hot or cold.

Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do, both at home and at our office, to reduce the discomfort of sensitive teeth.  Check out the following list of current recommendations to reduce sensitivity.

  • BRUSH WITH SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE
  • BRUSH WITH A SOFT BRISTLED TOOTHBRUSH
  • AVOID BRUSHING AFTER CONSUMING ACIDIC FOODS OR BEVERAGES
  • DRINK WATER OR MILK AFTER CONSUMING ACIDIC ITEMS
  • USE A STRAW WHEN DRINKING ACIDIC BEVERAGES
  • WEAR A NIGHT GUARD TO PREVENT ENAMEL THINNING
  • OBTAIN PROFESSIONALLY APPLIED DESENSITIZERS

If you have any questions about tooth sensitivity or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

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