If it’s the first time you’ve experienced tooth sensitivity, it’s advisable to make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. A thorough examination of your teeth will reveal any underlying problems like cavities, loose fillings, or receding gums—which may be the cause of the pain. After all, if you’re not sure of the exact problem, there’s no way to narrow down your treatment options to the one that’s most suitable for you.
Here are the treatment methods your orthodontist is likely to recommend depending on the severity of your case:
Mild
For mild cases of teeth sensitivity, over-the-counter dental treatments can easily be purchased and tried out in the comfort of your own home. If you’re not sure how to pick something out for yourself, get your orthodontist or dentist to recommend you a brand.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Also known as desensitising toothpaste, these contain compounds that help shield nerve endings from irritants. The potassium nitrate—an active ingredient within—blocks pain signals travelling from the nerves in your tooth to your brain. After prolonged use, you’re likely to notice your tooth sensitivity decreasing.
Salt water rinse: While more of a home remedy, surprisingly enough, salt is an effective antiseptic that can help greatly reduce inflammation. If you want to alleviate the pain you experience due to sensitive teeth, gargle your mouth with a salt water rinse for up to 30 seconds at least twice a day. To create a salt water rinse, simply add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water before mixing well.
How you brush your teeth: Are you using a hard-bristled toothbrush? Scrubbing your teeth vigorously every day? Brushing for less than two minutes at a time? If you’ve checked off one—or all of the questions above, then it’s time for a change. Experiencing sensitivity means you need to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and take better care of your teeth. That means brushing thoroughly for longer—not harder.
Moderate
Fluoride Application: Your dentist is likely to help apply a fluoride gel to the sensitive areas of your teeth, strengthening the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth and thereby reducing pain. Otherwise, he/she may suggest that you try applying prescription strength fluoride varnish at home.
Use a mouthguard for your tooth grinding habit: If the reason for your sensitised teeth is teeth grinding or clenching, try to consciously prevent yourself from doing so. If it’s something you do unconsciously when sleeping at night, check with your doctor and dentist if you need to use a mouthguard.
Severe
Desensitising or dental bonding: Your dentist may choose to apply bonding resin to the sensitive and exposed root surfaces. This seals the surfaces in the area that causes you pain, blocking exposure to the hot or cold food and drinks that enter the mouth.
Surgical gum graft: If you’re experiencing receding gums, a small amount of gum tissue may be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and grafted to the affected site, covering the exposed roots and reducing sensitivity.
Root Canal: With advancements made in the field of orthodontics in Singapore, even the worst case of teeth sensitivity can be taken care of without much trouble. The root canal procedure is used to treat problems in the tooth’s dental pulp—the soft core within. It’s also known to be the most successful way to eliminate tooth sensitivity.
No matter how recommended braces in Singapore come, it takes time to find truly affordable braces. The same goes for professional treatment for severe cases of teeth sensitivity. Thankfully, all of the treatments mentioned above are nowhere near as expensive as how much invisalign braces cost. Make sure to get your tooth sensitivity issue treated today before it gets any worse!