For most people, a cold scoop of ice cream, a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of lemonade is a welcome treat. But for those with tooth sensitivity, these are painful rather than enjoyable. Tooth sensitivity results when the dentin layer of your tooth becomes exposed. Normally, dentin is protected by a tooth’s hard outer shell of enamel. But if the enamel is worn away, then tooth sensitivity can ensue. Framingham dentist Dr. Mark Fried can treat your sensitive teeth, so you can enjoy any treat pain free!
Worn away enamel is not the only reason why a tooth might become sensitive. Receding gums, a cavity, a broken or cracked tooth, and root erosion can all expose dentin. This middle layer of each tooth is made up of thousands of microscopic tubes that connect to the nerves inside the pulp chamber. Thus, when the dentin is exposed to cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods and beverages, the nerve is stimulated and you feel pain.
To avoid sensitive teeth, there are steps you can take at home as well as treatments offered by your Natick dentist that will help. When you brush your teeth, be sure to use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. A hard bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel. There are a number of toothpastes for sensitive teeth sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. Try a few different kinds until you find the one that works best for you. Spreading a dab of sensitive toothpaste on your teeth before bed at night can also be helpful. In addition, you can use a mouth rinse that contains fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel.
In the office, Framingham dentist Dr. Fried can suggest a few different treatments that are all recommended by the American Dental Association for sensitive teeth:
You do not need to endure tooth sensitivity, and there are better solutions than sacrificing those deliciously simple pleasures that we all enjoy. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Fried. We gladly serve patients from Framingham, MA, and the surrounding areas of Ashland, Natick, and Southborough.
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