If you are living with sensitive teeth or gums, then you already know how disruptive these problems can be. The good news is that you don’t have to live with these issues forever. In this article our Mill Valley dentists are going to be giving you some helpful information about dental pain, and what you can do about it.
How Does Dental Sensitivity Develop?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain, it is likely because some part of the protective layers of your smile have broken down. Remember that dental enamel, the outermost tooth layer, is made to shield more vulnerable layers of the tooth from irritants and bacteria. Gum tissue, too, protects your tooth roots from damage.
Here are a few of the reasons that dental sensitivity and discomfort can develop…
- Insufficient dental enamel
- Gum disease
- Infected dental tissue
- Cracked or chipped enamel
Tooth sensitivity is a sign that the nerves of your teeth, which sit inside the tooth structure and extend into your jawbone tissue, are too exposed. The good news is that there are steps we can take to help you stay comfortable, and the health of your smile.
What Kinds Of Treatments Are Available?
After assessing the state of your smile, our dental team will be able to suggest ameliorative or restorative treatments that meet your specific needs. Your treatment plan may include…
Special oral hygiene products: conventional toothpastes and mouth rinses can be too abrasive or irritating for people with sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentists about whether you should swap your existing products for sensitivity-safe formulations; there are a number of them available on the market today.
Topical fluoride applications: fluoride has been shown to promote re-mineralization of dental enamel, which is why this ingredient is already included in many toothpastes, mouth rinses, and our public drinking water supply. There are also professional topical fluoride formulations that are administered in-office.
Restorative treatment to cover or replace enamel: finally, some people will achieve optimal results by covering soft, damaged, or thin enamel with a restorative substance: essentially creating an additional protective layer to the tooth. Both composite resin and porcelain restorations deliver exceptional results.
So, there you have it! Dental discomfort is disruptive and a pain, literally, but it’s treatable. Just give our Mill Valley dentists a call to learn more or to schedule a personal consultation.