As the weather continues to get warmer, many of us will be enjoying popsicles, ice cream, and icy drinks outside. If you notice that you’re experiencing discomfort or sensitivity when you consume something cold, you may want to talk to your dental team about ways to manage dental sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more from our O’Fallon dentists…
Underlying Causes
If you start to notice increased instances of dental pain or sensitivity, it means that the nerves of your tooth are too exposed to irritants and bacteria. This can happen as previously healthy dental enamel wears away, and as gum tissue recedes from your tooth roots. It can also occur due to dental cavities, cracks, and chips.
At-home Options
There are a number of simple interventions that have been shown to sooth dental irritation in the short-term. You can start by rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt, or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Look for foods and drinks that contain soothing ingredients like green tea, capsaicin, and turmeric to lessen discomfort day to day.
Specialty Products
You can also consider swapping your normal toothpaste and mouth rinse for formulations suited to sensitive smiles. These oral hygiene products are designed to be non-irritating, and many of them have the additional benefit of containing soothing ingredients.
Long-term Treatments
There are also a number of restorative treatments available to rebuild and repair damaged oral tissues. You may, for example, choose to cover your existing enamel with a thin layer of composite resin to protect sensitive dental nerves. Topical fluoride treatments encourage natural enamel re-mineralization. Periodontal treatment, including gum tissue grafts build up lost gums to protect the dental root and nerve.
As you can see, there are a number of treatment options available to minimize dental discomfort in response to food or beverages. Please feel free to contact our O’Fallon dentists to get more information and to schedule a personal consultation!