If brushing your teeth, drinking, or eating causes you pain, you may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. There are ways you can adapt your home-care routine to minimize your sensitivity. However, if you are really bothered by your sensitive teeth, the first thing to do is come in to see Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. It’s important for them to examine your mouth and address any cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or gum disease which may be contributing. Treatment options will vary depending on the nature of your issue and may involve adjusting your home care or coming in for a procedure. As always, we are your partner in your oral health care and will go over all your options so we can make a treatment plan that works for you. Here are a few oral care options for patients with sensitive teeth.
Be Gentle
A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways you can care for and prevent sensitive teeth. That said, when brushing twice a day, remember to be gentle! Brushing harder doesn’t mean you’re doing a better job! Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth and to also massage your gums. Use soft, circular motions. Your teeth and gums will love the pampering!
Consider Your Toothpaste Options
We offer several types of toothpaste that are crafted to help with sensitive teeth. When used regularly, they can help reduce some pain while also improving overall tooth and oral health. MI Paste and MI Paste Plus is a uniquely formulated tooth crème fortified with calcium and phosphate to replace beneficial minerals lost from the tooth’s structure. Fluoridex is prescription strength fluoride toothpaste designed for use at home. It helps to prevent tooth decay and the development of harmful bacteria. Fluoridex is a great addition to your homecare routine to help strengthen the enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Please ask about these options at your next appointment!
Be Mindful of Certain Foods and Beverages
Before guzzling a soft drink or sipping on wine, think about your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time, which will lead to sensitivity. If you do enjoy a soda or orange juice, do yourself a favor and drink some water as well to help balance the acid levels in your mouth.
Dental Bonding, Gum Grafts, & Root Canals
Beyond your home care routine, there are a few procedures that Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend for you to help address sensitivity. For example, if you have an exposed root surface, we can apply a dental bonding resin to the area to help protect it. If you have lost some gum tissue due to excessive brushing or gum disease, we may refer you to a periodontist for a gum graft, a procedure where gum tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and affixed to your exposed root. If you are experiencing severe pain, we may refer you to an endodontist for a root canal. This procedure allows us to treat your tooth at its core – a soft substance called pulp.
Our goal in all of these procedures is to provide you with compassionate oral care that helps you have a healthy mouth and happy smile. Talk with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos about your options if you are experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity; they will talk you through all the possible treatment plans that are right for you.
If you have questions about sensitive teeth or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We love to help our patients!
