Summer is over and winter is near, but cold and hot food and drinks still leave your teeth sensitive. Do you know how to deal with it?
Causes
The two main causes of tooth sensitivity are root surface exposure and grinding and clenching teeth.
Short-term treatment
Besides other dental issues including fractured teeth or decay, an exposed root surface often causes sensitivity. Avoid anything that’s really acidic. Fizzy drinks and fruit juices, especially orange juice, should be avoided if you’re suffering from sensitivity.
Toothpastes and chewing gum that has fluoride in them will definitely help in the short-term before you go for dental treatment abroad. Don’t use whitening toothpastes because they tend to be more abrasive than other toothpastes and can make sensitivity worse. Products containing potassium nitrate, such as Sensodyne, are effective but should be for short-term use only.
Long-term treatment
The grinding and clenching issue is often overlooked, so we as dentists look for wear patterns and microfracture lines in teeth.
When microfracture lines or cracks get really severe they get dark and discolored and that can often be an indication for a porcelain crown.
Both root canal treatment and porcelain crowns can be done in just 1 visit abroad. This will stop any sensitivity you have for sure.