For all those people living in and around the Norman, Oklahoma area, if you have tooth sensitivity when you eat ice cream or drink a cold soda, you’re not alone. According to the Journal of American Dental Association, one in eight people experience momentary or lingering pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity happens when dentin, a layer beneath the outer layer of enamel, becomes exposed. Dentin is the layer that surrounds the nerve of a tooth and is made up of microscopic tubules that are filled with fluid. Dentin also contains small nerve endings and receptors. When the dentin becomes worn down, pain is the result.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity

At Smile Solutions, we know what causes the dentin to break down because of the many patients we’ve helped resolve their tooth sensitivity issues. Following is a list of the most common reasons:

• Brushing teeth too hard
• Crack in tooth
• Decaying tooth
• Deteriorating gums
• Eating and/or drinking too many acidic foods and beverages
• Experiencing stress
• Exposure of nerve
• Grinding teeth
• Lost fillings
• Overusing tooth whiteners

What Are My Options For Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity

When it comes to tooth sensitivity, basic preventative treatments are often practiced, including:

• Avoiding chewing tobacco
• Avoiding cold foods and drinks
• Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to prevent gum loss
• Drinking from a straw
• Eliminating acidic foods and drinks
• Keeping your mouth clean between meals
• Using a softer toothbrush
• Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth that includes the seal of the American Dental Association
• Maintaining a consistent dental hygiene program with regular visits and routine professional cleanings

When Should I Call Smile Solutions

When these basic preventative treatments do not resolve the issue, a dental visit is the only option, especially if your teeth are sensitive to cold for more than several days. If so, an appointment with a dentist must be made. What might feel like cold sensitivity might actually be a tooth cavity or abscess that must be treated before any more damage occurs. Should this be the case, in addition to the preventative steps above, these additional treatments are available:

• Correcting cracked enamel
• Making sure all bridges and crowns remain properly intact
• Obtaining a nightly mouth guard to eliminate grinding
• Replacement of leaky or lost fillings
• Restoration of deep abrasive lesions

At Smile Solutions, we focus on preventative dentistry and are known for assisting our patients in enjoying full, complete and comfortable dental hygiene. This begins with complete and professional check-ups that include answering questions about tooth sensitivity, followed up by identifying issues before they become a problem. When you come to Smile Solutions, you can feel safe knowing you’re in good hands.

Contact Smile Solutions today, at (405) 364-7385 and let us help you enjoy issue-free dental healthcare today.