Many people look forward to the holidays, but there are also many people that just look forward to the cold weather. Cold weather is connected to cozy things like comfort food, fireplaces, and hot chocolate.
Unfortunately, there may be a few people that aren’t able to enjoy everything the winter has to offer because of their tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth and just want a cup of hot cider this holiday season, this week’s blog post from your dentist in Hiram is for you!
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity is a very common problem among American adults. In fact, it affects more than a third of the US population! Unlike the typical tooth pain that could cause a constant ache you might get from a cavity, tooth sensitivity usually occurs when teeth are exposed to specific stimuli. For instance, if your smile comes in contact with cold substances, heat, sweetness, or acidity, you will feel tooth pain.
In order to understand the truth behind tooth sensitivity, you must understand the layers of your teeth. The first layer (the outside) is the hardest layer of tooth enamel for protection. Then below that is a layer called dentin, which makes up the majority of the tooth itself. Dentin contains nerves and tiny tubules that transmit body messages down to the root of the tooth. This is where the soft, sensitive dental pulp is. If dentin is exposed directly to external stimuli without the protection of enamel, it can cause these shooting dental pains.
Patients can accidentally expose their dentin in these ways:
- If the gum line recedes low enough to expose the tooth roots, the dentin there may be vulnerable to substances that enter your mouth.
- Acids from sodas, sports drinks, and certain foods can erode the enamel on your teeth. The acids work to soften the outer layer of the enamel, and if you brush your teeth while the enamel is in this softened state it may wear down over time and expose dentin. To avoid this, always wait an hour or so after drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth – or just avoid consuming sodas and sports drinks entirely.
- Tooth decay can also be a problem. Naturally-occurring bacteria in the mouth can interact with the foods we eat and create harmful acids, which eat away at the enamel of your teeth as well.
How can a dentist help me?
If you’re experiencing minor tooth sensitivity, it could be just how you brush your teeth. Try not to brush too aggressively and don’t brush the same area for too long. Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled brush and proper technique. Always use fluoridated toothpaste to build up your enamel. You may also want to consider using toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
In some severe cases, you may need to seek treatments from your dental team. Some professional treatments that can help alleviate your tooth sensitivity include:
- Concentrated fluoride varnishes
- Specially-formulated mouth rinses
- Bonding protective materials to the outside of the teeth
While normally mild, tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects many people. Don’t let this problem ruin your holiday fun!
About Our Office
Dr. Jack Bickford, Dr. Bobby Shirley, and our experienced dental team provide Distinctive Dentistry for our patients—no matter what your dental issue is. We offer a variety of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for you and your family. Whether you need a regular checkup or specialized treatments, you can rest assured that we can help you reach optimal oral health.
