Dentist Questions Tooth Disorders

What can I do about my sensitive teeth?

Lately, my teeth have been extremely sensitive. Is there anything I can do to help fix this problem?

15 Answers

Sensitive teeth can have several causes. Are you flossing and brushing your teeth on a daily basis. When was the last time you visited your dentist? You may have sensitivity because of cavities. Are you a smoker? Gum Disease can make your teeth sensitive. Do you eat hot spicy foods? You should visit your dentist.
Using harsh mouthwashes irritates everything. Warm salt water rinses are soothing to your tissues. Is your tongue irritated?. All of these things hurting at the same time, can make it difficult to isolate where your problems are coming from. Don't chew ice. Be careful with hot foods.
Try desensitizing toothpaste until you can see a dentist.
There is certainly things that can be done to address sensitive teeth. First your dentist will need to determine the exact cause of the sensitivity by doing an exam and likely taking the appropriate X-rays. Causes may range from minor gum recession exposing the root to more severe recession with minimal gum tissue adapting around the tooth. Other causes may include decay, orthodontic (Invisalign or braces) tooth movement, bone loss and tooth mobility, infection, etc. Depending on the exact cause treatment may vary widely from sensitivity toothpastes, fillings, gum grafts, root canal or extraction. Only once your dentist has done a thorough clinical exam with X-rays can the cause and options be determined for your exact situation. Make an appointment with your dentist soon to determine how to get you the best possible treatment.
There are many sensitivity toothpastes out there which work very well to reduce sensitivity. Be careful also for brushing too aggressively in a back and forth motion, which removes gingival tissue and exposes the root surfaces of the teeth, causing more sensitivity. Make sure to brush up and down instead of back and forth.
This is a very common complain, but the solution depends mostly on the cause of the problem. Therefore, before we know how to deal with the problem, first we need to know what’s causing painful sensations related to cold, heat, or sweet foods and drinks.
Have your occlusion (bite) checked and adjusted by a dentist who understands occlusion.
Sometimes dentistry can be discussed, but no solution without an examination. You're just going to have to bite the bullet and go see your dentist and let him help you with X-ray determination and an oral examination as well as examining your habits to determine the etiology of where the sensitivity is coming from. It's possible even your diet is causing it. A few minutes of discussion should yield the proper course of action.
see your dentist
1. Could be a cavity.
2. gum recession can cause sensitive teeth
3. heavy grinding/ clenching can cause sensitivity
You can start by using any of the options available for anti-sensitivity toothpastes. Take a small amount on tooth brush, then spit don't rinse away the residue. It sounds gross but it is important for that residue to actually block the open pores that cause sensitivity.
In most cases such as this I recommend the use of Act anticavity or restorative mouthwash in co junction with either sensodyne toothpaste or MI paste 1. I have had amazing results decreasing sensitivity using this regimen.
See your dentist and start using a toothpaste like Sensodyne. You may need a fluoride treatment assuming the areas of sensitivity are not from decay. Usually, sensitivity is due to gingival recession
Hello,

Teeth sensitivity maybe due to different reasons. The best thing that you can do is to ask your dentist to make you a night fairs to protect your teeth at night time from grinding while asleep (the most common cause of sensitivity in teeth). There are also Fluoride gels that you can purchase over the counter which, by brushing with them twice daily, will subside your sensitivity. Best thing to do is to visit your dentist for the real reason behind your sensitivity. Since I mentioned earlier, it could be due to many different reasons.

Best of luck,

Ramona
See your dentist to first determine the reason why. Many times it can be cured very easily with certain home products. If not, it may be a dental issue.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Staller, D.D.S.
You have to find the reason why they are getting sensitive. It may be a gum problem that is exposing the neck of the teeth in certain areas, inconstant brushing, or others. Sensodyne is very good for sensitivity. Also, there is a paste that you can use that helps with that, too. Visit your dentist, know the reason, and I am sure he can help you.
There are many good treatments for sensitive teeth. There are many good toothpastes for teeth sensitivity such as Sensodyne, Pronamel, and Colgate sensitive toothpaste. They can be more effective if you just spit out after brushing and not rinsing out with water. This allows the toothpaste to stay on the sensitive teeth longer. Fluoride rinses can also help with teeth sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity can also occur due to teeth grinding, so a good mouth guard will also help. You should see your dentist to see the reason for the sensitivity. Good luck!