How to Deal with Hot/Cold Sensitivity
Do you suffer from sharp zings of pain while trying to enjoy your favorite hot or cold foods? Perhaps during a bite of a soothing popsicle or a sip of comforting hot tea, all of the sudden, it’s less about “Yum!” and more about “Ouch!” If your teeth are keeping you from the hot or cold foods and drinks you love, our dental offices in Highland Park and Chicago Heights are here to help.
Before we cover how to stop the pain, we should probably talk about what causes it in the first place. The several causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Decay or cavities
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Gum disease
- Exposed roots
Healthy, non-sensitive teeth have a hard layer of enamel that protects the inner anatomy where all the nerves and roots live. When this protective layer is worn away, chipped, or exposed through gum recession or eroded enamel, the nerves are at increased risk for coming in contact with hot and cold foods and drinks, resulting in pain. Once teeth become sensitive, there are a variety of ways to ease the pain.
At-Home Care
First and foremost, proper oral hygiene is key to keeping teeth and gums healthy, and enamel strong and protective. Make sure to brush (gently) twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist in Highland Park and Chicago Heights regularly. Additionally, choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste can keep sensitivity away. Select a brush with soft bristles and toothpaste without sodium pyrophosphate, which may contribute to sensitivity.
Professional Dental Care
Sometimes our patients need professional help. Treatment may include:
- Desensitizing agents
- Bonding
- Root canal
Suffering from sensitive teeth isn’t fun and can keep you from enjoying your most favorite foods. If you’re dealing with the pain of sensitivity, call our dental offices in Highland Park and Chicago Heights. We will work together to determine what caused the sensitivity in the first place, what you can do at home to keep it away, and if additional treatment is necessary.
Welcoming patients from Highland Park, Deerfield, Highwood, Chicago Heights, Crete, Park Forest, and surrounding areas.