If you’ve ever felt a shooting pain when eating or drinking you may be suffering from a problem known as dentin hypersensitivity. The issue is usually characterized by a sharp temporary pain that emanates from one or more teeth when exposed to certain stimuli – normally extremes of temperature – and is relatively common. In fact, research suggests that this chronic condition affects as many as one in every eight patients, so if you’re experiencing this problem, you’re not alone.
To know how to stop sensitive tooth pain immediately we need to understand what the problem is and why tooth sensitivity occurs. So let’s do exactly that.
Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Happen?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of a tooth or teeth – in this case, dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is essentially a layer of living tissue that is not designed to be exposed to the elements. So, when the protective outer layer of the tooth – the enamel – is no longer able to form a barrier, the tooth can become vulnerable to changes in temperature. Discomfort can range from sporadic twinges in the tooth to sudden shooting pain that appears to go from zero to excruciating in a millisecond!
Causes of exposure can include:
- Cracked, fractured or chipped teeth
- Gingival gum recession
- Excessive enamel loss caused by overly abrasive toothpaste, hard brushing or overuse of whitening products, or
- Tooth decay or cavities.
The good news is that you don’t have to put up with tooth sensitivity. There are several proven treatments that you (and your dentist) can utilize to alleviate discomfort and stop it from reoccurring. To make things easier, let’s split these into two categories – Those that provide immediate respite and those that work in the longer term…
Firstly, Immediate Solutions
Dental bonding
Dental bonding, otherwise known as composite bonding, repairs the tooth and/or replaces the layer of tooth enamel with a hardened layer of bonding material to form a protective barrier. This minimally invasive and affordable treatment can provide immediate relief from tooth hypersensitivity while also improving the look and strength of the teeth.
Research suggests that this simple treatment is extremely effective in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.
Want to know more about composite bonding? Talk to our experienced team about how this simple procedure can help you.
Dental sealants
A dental sealant is essentially a thin liquid coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of the teeth. Once applied, it hardens and acts as a barrier, thus protecting the underlying layers of the tooth from bacteria that cause cavities.
Dental sealants are normally applied to the teeth of children and teens to protect against cavities, however, they can also be used on adults to help with tooth sensitivity. Like with composite bonding, tooth sensitivity can be relieved immediately although it may take up to 24-48 hours to fully take effect.
Root canal therapy
In severe cases of tooth sensitivity, the tooth pulp, the nerve centre of the tooth, may become infected. Anyone who has experienced this will know just how painful an infected root canal can be. Root canal therapy can be a complex procedure designed to remove the damaged nerve tissue and alleviate extreme discomfort. If you’re worried about root canal treatment, check out our blog on root canal treatment and what you can expect.
Dental crowns
When exposed nerves cause sensitivity, a dental crown offers an effective solution to shield and protect the vulnerable tooth. It not only helps relieve discomfort but also prevents additional damage to the tooth.
At Mint Dental, we mill our high-grade crowns on-site from robust materials that not only last longer but also look great.
Hopefully, that’s given you several solutions on how to stop sensitive tooth pain immediately. Let’s now look at some equally effective solutions that can take a little longer…
Longer term solutions
Desensitizing toothpaste
Desensitizing toothpaste works by blocking the tiny tubules that are located in the dentin. Dental tubules are essentially hollow microscopic channels that carry nutrients and fluids to and from the tooth pulp – the nerve centre of the tooth. Additionally, tubules trigger nerves in the tooth every time the tooth is stimulated. Desensitizing toothpaste contains an array of ingredients designed to keep sensory nerves from activating. Active ingredients include:
- Potassium nitrate – This acts as a message blocker that prevents the transmission of nerve signals from the tooth to the brain.
- Strontium Chloride – This is the desensitizing element that prevents the nerves from reacting to extremes of temperature.
- Fluoride – This is essentially the strengthening element that increases the durability of the enamel and prevents any further dentin from being exposed.
Together they work to prevent tooth sensitivity.
While some people notice a difference within a few days, most people start to see a significant improvement within a few weeks.
Lifestyle changes
Believe it or not, making simple changes to your daily routine can also improve teeth sensitivity. Changes like using a softer-bristled toothbrush, avoiding abrasive toothpaste, steering clear of overly acidic foods and drinking through a straw can all help to stop dental hypersensitivity but they can take time.
A word of note: Before you embark on any significant changes, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist to help identify the cause of tooth sensitivity This way, the most appropriate treatment options can be discussed for your specific condition.
How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately – The Key Takeaway
As you can see, there are several methods or treatments that stop tooth hypersensitivity either immediately, or within a few weeks. These range from dental sealants and bonding through to root canal therapy, desensitizing toothpastes and even, simple lifestyle changes, so you never need to put up with long-term tooth discomfort. However, if you do suffer from dental hypersensitivity, it’s important to discuss the matter with your dentist first who can identify the problem and give you a workable solution for the long term.
Don’t suffer in silence, call or schedule an appointment with the Mint Dental team and let us work with you to banish tooth sensitivity for good.
Phone us on (907) 416 – 5884 or book an appointment online.
