Do you love ice cream or a good cup of hot coffee, but avoid eating or drinking them because of tooth discomfort? If so, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth and research shows you are not alone. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity is an ailment that affects “approximately 40 million adults in the United States.” So what causes it and what can you do about it?
Many things can cause tooth sensitivity including worn enamel from aggressive brushing, tooth erosion from highly acidic food and beverages, tooth decay that leaves your tooth exposed, gum recession which leaves the root exposed, and repeated grinding of your teeth especially at night.
So what can you do about it? First off, have a conversation with your dentist so he or she can determine exactly what is causing the sensitivity. Be sure to describe in detail what you feel, when it started, and if certain foods or temperatures of foods make the discomfort more intense. From there your dentist will determine the best course of action. There are also certain desensitizing products that can be used to help relieve discomfort including over-the-counter toothpastes and in-office gels applied by your dentist.
If sensitive teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, give Jackson Dental a call at 573-243-5200 to schedule an appointment.