Discovering Relief from Sensitive Teeth

If the joy of indulging in a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping on a warm cup of tea is constantly interrupted by sharp dental pain, it's time to visit the office of @My Gilroy Dentist. Our skilled team of professionals will help determine the cause of your discomfort and provide you with the appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and restore your oral health.

You're not alone in experiencing sensitive teeth. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 40 million adults in the United States suffer from some degree of dentin hypersensitivity. The age group most affected by this issue ranges between 20 to 50 years old. Tooth sensitivity can range from a mild tingle to an intense jolt and may affect a single tooth or several teeth. For some individuals, the pain is so significant that it impacts their daily routines, causing them to avoid cold foods and drinks entirely, use straws when drinking beverages, and even keep their lips tightly closed in cold weather.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

• Exposed dentin due to receding gums and periodontal disease
• Wearing away healthy tooth structure from habits such as aggressive brushing or teeth grinding
• Chemical erosion of teeth from a diet high in acidic foods or beverages
• Overuse of teeth whitening products
• Health issues like dry mouth, acid reflux, and eating disorders can also contribute to sensitive dentin and tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step in addressing tooth sensitivity is to have your dentist identify the root cause of your discomfort. A sudden sharp pain in a tooth can be attributed to various dental problems, including cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, eroded tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, or temporary after-effects from recent dental procedures.

Once our dentist determines that you are suffering from dentin hypersensitivity, we will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. There is a variety of treatments available, both in-office and for at-home use. These include:

• In-office procedures like fluoride gel application or the use of other topical desensitizing agents
• At-home remedies such as specialized desensitizing toothpaste, which may require multiple applications over time to effectively alleviate discomfort
• Advanced dental procedures like fillings, dental restorations, or surgical gum grafts for severe cases

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

Preventing gum recession and the development of dentin hypersensitivity requires proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Our team 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 daily oral care routine.

If desensitizing toothpaste does not sufficiently alleviate discomfort, alternative therapeutic options are available. These include fluoride gel and other topical desensitizing agents. In extreme cases, more advanced dental procedures may be necessary to address the issue. Treatment may involve sealing off sensitive dentin with a filling or dental restoration or performing a surgical gum graft to cover exposed tooth roots.

Embrace Tooth Sensitivity Relief Today!

There's no reason to let tooth sensitivity hold you back from enjoying your favorite foods and beverages. Our dedicated staff at the office of @My Gilroy Dentist is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start experiencing relief from sensitive teeth.