Enjoying National Ice Cream Day: How to Deal with Your Tooth Sensitivity

National Ice Cream Day is on July 15th and there’s plenty of reason to celebrate – especially if you live in McAllen. The summer weather is steaming in the Rio Grande Valley and an ice cream is the perfect snack to cool you down.

Unless, of course, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity.

If you have ever felt pain when you drink a hot cup of coffee, an ice cold drink, or even when your simply brush your teeth, then it’s very possible that you have sensitive teeth.

Your dentists at Heroes Dental know how much tooth sensitivity can affect a patient and how many wonderful summer memories they can miss out on because they can’t enjoy some of the season’s traditional treats like ice cream, ice cold beverages, raspas, and popsicles.

That’s why we would like to offer McAllen residents the information they need to correct their tooth sensitivity issues.

July 15th is #NationalIceCreamDay. Dont let #toothsensitivity ruin it #Heroes #EnjoytheSummer Click To Tweet

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity starts at the root of your teeth, where there are microscopic canals known as tubules. These canals are protected by many layers. The first layer that protects them is dentin, above that is another protective layer called cementum, and then finally the top layer, enamel, which protects your actual tooth.

Once the enamel and cementum wear down, the dentin is exposed, which allows cold, hot, and acidic food and drinks to reach the sensitive nerves and cells in the tooth.

Receding gums may also cause the root of the tooth to be exposed, causing hypersensitivity.

What Does Tooth Sensitivity Mean?

There is a reason for every pain you feel in your body and tooth sensitivity could be an indication of something bigger such as:

Gum disease

Worn enamel or fillings

Fractured tooth

Cavities

An exposed tooth root

A new survey of U.S. dental offices found that 1 in 8 people had over-sensitive teeth. #HeroesDental #toothsensitivity Click To Tweet

Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is never easy to deal with but there are a few ways to alleviate the pain, protect your root, and strengthen your enamel.

Desensitizing Toothpaste – This toothpaste can help block sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve. However, this is not a quick fix, it takes several applications before feeling relief from sensitivity.

Fluoride Gel – Covering your teeth in fluoride gel will make your enamel and dentin stronger. Your McAllen dentist may suggest this five-minute procedure which can help reduce some of the pain and discomfort.

Mouth Guard – Sometimes enamel wear and root exposure can occur because of teeth grinding while you sleep. If this is the case, your dentist can make a mold of your mouth and create a mouthpiece to protect your teeth from pressure and damage. This method can be very effective in reducing pain.

Gum Graft – This procedure is done when the gum has receded away from the tooth, exposing the root. A gum graft is meant to replace the tissue that is missing and protect the root.

Crown, Inlay, or Bonding – Can be used to correct flaws or decay that is causing the sensitivity.

Root Canal Treatment – If your pain and sensitivity are persistent and other methods have not been successful, your dentist may recommend you as a candidate for a root canal to eliminate the problem.

Tooth sensitivity is not fun. The number one way to avoid it is by knowing and practicing proper oral hygiene, as well as avoiding at home whiteners and other oral products that haven’t been approved by your dentist.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene or concerns about any tooth sensitivity you may be experiencing, contact your McAllen dental experts today at (956) 781-0031. Heroes Dental is here when you need us.