Can Your Dentist Help You Treat Your Sensitive Teeth?

April 16, 2022

Sensitive teeth can be difficult to live with, especially if you experience pain even when eating or drinking mildly cold or hot foods and drinks. Although common, sensitive teeth aren’t considered normal.

The hardest layer of your teeth, your tooth enamel, is designed to keep hot and cold temperatures from reaching the sensitive nerve tissue inside your teeth. When tooth enamel is compromised, sensitive teeth can result. Can your dentist treat sensitive teeth? Here’s how your oral healthcare professional may be able to help you curb that painful sensitivity.

In-Office Fluoride Treatments

Your dentist can apply a fluoride treatment on your teeth during your regular check-up and cleaning. Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth sensitivity. This professional treatment can be done at intervals determined by your dentist to help you better manage your tooth sensitivity and provide more comfort when eating and drinking [1].

In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe a fluoride treatment at home where you can apply the varnish to your teeth yourself. Your oral healthcare professional can let you know about your options for fluoride treatments when you come in for your appointment.

Prescription Toothpaste or Mouth Rinses

Using toothpaste with fluoride is another way to help sensitive teeth. Your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter toothpaste you can purchase and use daily to help manage your tooth sensitivity. However, your dentist may also prescribe a particular fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse may improve your discomfort.

Fluoride toothpaste combined with regular fluoride treatments with your dentist can provide more long-term relief for your sensitive teeth [2]. If your tooth sensitivity is the result of enamel damage without another underlying issue, this may be the most effective form of treatment for you.

Treating the Underlying Cause

For some patients, damaged tooth enamel isn’t the sole cause of their tooth sensitivity. These include cases where tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth infections could be the result of painful sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks [3].

In cases such as these, your dentist can help improve your tooth sensitivity by treating the underlying cause of the problem. Depending on the problem, treatment could include root canal therapy, filling a cavity, or getting treatment for gum disease. Teeth grinding can also cause tooth enamel damage that can lead to sensitive teeth, which your dentist can help you manage using a mouthguard or stress-management techniques. When the underlying problem is corrected, tooth sensitivity may resolve naturally on its own.

Don’t Ignore Those Sensitive Teeth

Since sensitive teeth can be a symptom of a larger dental problem, it’s always worth it to have your dentist evaluate your smile when you have sensitive teeth. There are also treatments that can help improve your sensitivity and make eating and drinking more comfortable. Ask your dentist about your sensitive teeth during your next appointment!