Having sensitive teeth can make it difficult to enjoy some of life’s greatest pleasures, like a scoop of ice cream in the summertime or your cup of hot coffee every morning. Unfortunately, many people experience tooth sensitivity. Brushing with certain toothpastes can help, and so can a topical fluoride treatment — keep reading to learn more about tooth sensitivity and how your dentist in Boston uses fluoride to treat it.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

There are a number of factors that can cause the teeth to be sensitive to heat, cold, and even air pressure. Mild sensitivity often does not indicate an issue, but if you experience serious discomfort from these stimuli, you may need professional help. Significant sensitivity can indicate tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health hazards.

Some of the factors causing sensitivity include:

• A diet high in acidic foods and beverages, which can wear away the tooth enamel
• Aggressive tooth brushing that damages enamel and causes gum recession
• Poor oral hygiene habits which result in tooth decay
• Genetics

Talk to your dentist if your tooth sensitivity is a problem that affects your eating or drinking habits. After evaluating your oral health, your dentist in Boston can make a recommendation to help curb sensitivity. Often, the answer is fluoride.

How Fluoride Helps Sensitivity

Fluoride is well-known for its benefits to oral health. Applied topically to the teeth, it remineralizes the tooth enamel (i.e. makes the teeth harder and stronger) to prevent sensitivity and tooth decay. You may already receive a certain amount of fluoride by drinking tap water and also through your toothpaste and mouthwash. However, an additional dose after your checkup and cleaning can help to further strengthen enamel and provide an additional defense against sensitivity and tooth decay.

Preventing Sensitive Teeth

Along with having a fluoride treatment, you may want to consider making these modifications to further prevent the occurrence of sensitive teeth.

• Brush your teeth with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste.
• If you are not using a fluoride toothpaste, start now. Choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association to ensure it contains the mineral.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid highly acidic foods and beverages, like soda and citrus.
• Visit your dentist at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

With the last point in mind, when was your last visit to the dentist? If it’s been awhile, it’s time to come in! Your healthy smile depends on routine preventive care.

Meet the Practice

Kraft & Schrott Dental Associates provide comprehensive dental care at their Boston practice. To learn more about preventing tooth sensitivity or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the office at 617-227-4924.