Every year, as the weather gets warmer, more and more patients start enjoying cold treats, like ice cream, popsicles, and frozen drinks. Interestingly, for some people this results in increased instances of dental discomfort and sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more from our Saint Louis dentists…
Underlying Causes
You will likely notice increased sensitivity and discomfort when your dental nerves, which reside in the core and root of the tooth, are no longer adequately protected by gum tissue or dental enamel. This may occur due to enamel erosion, periodontal disease, or dental trauma. Pain and sensitivity are simply indicators that some aspect of your tooth’s protective layers are not working.
At-home Options
When sensitivity strikes, try gently rinsing your mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water, or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. You can also consume food and drinks that contain green tea, turmeric, and capsaicin to sooth irritated gums.
Specialty Products
As you refine your method for treating dental discomfort, consider swapping out your standard oral hygiene products for those formulated for sensitive smiles. You’ll find a number of toothpastes and mouth rinses on the market that are designed to be safe for sensitive teeth. Many of these oral hygiene products also include soothing ingredients to minimize nerve irritation.
Long-term Treatments
If you are living with chronic dental sensitivity and pain, we may recommend restorative treatment to build up the missing protective layers of your smile. Dental bonding, for example, allows our team to place a layer of composite resin on top of your natural enamel. Periodontal treatment promotes gum tissue regeneration; in some cases gum tissue grafts allow our team to replace lost gums.
It is possible to address dental sensitivity and sip and smile comfortably again! To learn more, or to schedule a consultation with our team, please contact our Saint Louis dentists.