Almost every day we hear patients complain of sensitivity from one to all of their teeth. We have been quite successful in resolving most of these complaints.
First, let's talk about the causes. Recently the largest group has been people attempting to bleach their own teeth. Whether bleaching in a dental office or buying over the counter products, the chemicals involved often cause sensitivity. If there are areas of decay or worn spots at the necks of the teeth, these chemicals can cause a lot of discomfort.
The actual nerve, or pulp, of the tooth is deep inside but they are connected to the surface through millions of tiny channels called the "dentin". Fluids moving back and forth in these channels can cause discomfort. If we can interfere with this movement, we can reduce and/or eliminate sensitivity.
We can help alleviate this discomfort by trying something very simple and a lot less expensive than a dental visit. First, STOP using toothpastes that claim to have whitening ingredients and the anti-sensitivity pastes. If the ingredients include Potassium Nitrate 5% STOP using it. Brushing with these pastes result in increased wear at the necks of teeth and places the active ingredients at the sensitive areas for less than a minute. INSTEAD, use these pastes as a dressing of sorts.
Keep the pastes at your bedside table and just before you shut out the lights for the night, squeeze some out on your finger and coat the specific teeth that are sensitive. Go to sleep leaving the paste in your mouth. The 5% Potassium nitrate stays in contact with your teeth for hours instead of just one minute and blocks the outside ends of the dentinal channels, reducing the fluid movement and the sensitivity.
It does not work immediately, however we have found that if used as we direct for 14 consecutive nights, the relief is very noticeable. Some people can stop at that point; others have to continue to use this technique for prolonged periods. The paste we get the best results with is Crest Sensitivity Maximum Strength.
If no relief has occurred in one month, then the problem is not a surface problem, but something deep inside the tooth. At this point, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist for issues that may be more severe and require more tests/x-rays.
I hope this article has saved many of you the unnecessary expense of a dental visit and given you the relief you need.
If anyone has any specific question(s) or concern(s) they would like to see covered, please visit my website and "Ask Dr. Jerry". I would be delighted to help.
About this Author
Dr. Jerry -
Schonfeld Dentistry
http://www.schonfelddentistry.com
The philosophy of the practice has always been to inject humor and caring into the relationship with patients to put them at ease and remove forever the fear of the dental office. The doctor and staff treat everyone like family. Patients are seen on time and treated one at a time. In addition to the usual numbing drugs they also use relaxing gas and relaxing oral medications. Our unique therapy dogs are available to sit in your lap during treatment.
Always feel free to go to my website and click on "Ask Dr. Jerry"
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