If you’ve experienced tooth sensitivity or pain through normal activities such as brushing your teeth, eating food, or drinking a beverage, or even something as simple as your teeth being exposed to air, then you may be dealing with worn enamel or root erosion. If you have experienced symptoms related to tooth sensitivity then it’s important to visit your dentist, but there are ways to try and combat this. Though, it is important to note that if you have had tooth work done prior to experiencing this sensitivity then it should pass after a couple of days.
Dentin, the layer of material which lies beneath the enamel, functions to provide support to the enamel. Whether you are experiencing mild or intense tooth sensitivity, it is likely the case that your enamel has been worn down and the dentin, or root of the tooth, has been exposed. This may occur due to brushing your teeth too hard, grinding your teeth, excessively consuming acidic foods or beverages, or other acid related conditions, such as Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or vomiting.
Some potential ways to mitigate the pain or discomfort include brushing softer or using softer toothbrushes, using desensitizing toothpastes specifically made for helping with this issue, having a dental bonding procedure done which seals up nerve endings without requiring removal of the enamel, or a root canal. Fluoride mouthwashes can also help. If some of these methods don’t work it may be the case that you have been grinding your teeth, possibly during sleep, in which case a mouth guard can be worn as a preventative solution. You can also turn to dietary solutions and consume less acidic foods and drinks which work to wear down the enamel or use a straw when drinking acidic beverages.
If none of these options have been able to alleviate the discomfort or pain then the issue may result from cavities, gum disease, or other conditions in which other solutions should be sought out with your dentist who can provide you with different options to best attack the problem.
