Having sensitive teeth can make it difficult to fully enjoy life since the condition causes a person to experience pain each time the individual consumes hot, cold, or acidic foods. Luckily, there is a variety of treatment options available that can minimize or eliminate the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth. Here are a few that people with this condition should discuss with General Dentist Oahu professionals.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
The most common and easiest treatment for sensitive teeth is the use of desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste contains substances designed to minimize the effect temperature changes and acidic foods have on teeth. It usually takes a little while to build up an effective barrier on the teeth. Once in place, though, it’s usually enough to make it more comfortable to eat and drink a wider range of foods.
The dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste that can be purchased over the counter or prescribe a medicated toothpaste depending on how bad the sensitivity is.
Tooth Bonding
If the sensitivity is caused by thin enamel, one treatment the dentist can do is bonding. This dental procedure consists of molding a resin to the tooth to protect it from contact with foods, drinks, bacteria, acid, and other substances that may cause discomfort or further erosion of the enamel. This procedure is also good for cracked or chipped teeth as the resin can be molded and shaped to look like a regular tooth.
It’s important to note, though, that the resin can stain and it doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. Therefore, this treatment is best for back molars that aren’t seen when smiling. However, people who want to use this treatment for front teeth should have their teeth whitened before getting the dental bonding so the tooth always matches whenever they have their other teeth bleached.
There are many other ways to deal with sensitive teeth. The best way for any particular individual will depend on the severity of the person’s condition. It’s best to make an appointment with a General Dentist Oahu office to discuss all the options available for minimizing pain caused by the issue.
