Fluoride Treatment for Sensitive Teeth: How It Can Help Relieve Discomfort
Tooth sensitivity is a painful condition that occurs in response to stimuli such as cold or hot temperatures. It happens when cold or hot things access the nerves in the tooth beneath the dentin. The discomfort affects your quality of life significantly and must be treated. Read on to learn ways to relieve the pain, including getting a fluoride treatment near you.
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
It is a procedure carried out by a dentist near you in a professional setting. The expert applies concentrated fluoride, which is in the form of a varnish, foam or gel on the teeth. Fluoride treatments improve the health of teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. Fluoride treatment in Lancaster, SC, is easy and fast, making it suitable for kids and adults.
How Does Fluoride Treatment Help Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity takes place when the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth are thin or weak. These layers are thin or weaken when the tooth gets exposed to things that erode the enamel. Examples are tooth decay, trauma, aggressive brushing habits and consuming excess acidic things.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens bones and teeth. In addition, it reverses demineralization by helping teeth absorb minerals such as calcium and phosphate. This helps repair and rebuild weak or damaged enamel.
Fluoride treatments help sensitive teeth by rebuilding and strengthening the enamel. Once the enamel is strong, the nerves in the dental pulp are not affected by hot or cold foods and drinks. The treatments also help sensitivity by providing a mechanical barrier to stimuli. Fluoride varnish inhibits fluid movement in exposed dentin tubules, thereby preventing sensitivity.
The Process of Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment process is painless, fast and easy. It involves three main steps that take place within 30 minutes. Fluoride treatment should be repeated every 3-4 months for maximum relief for sensitive teeth. Below are general steps to expect during the treatment by a pediatric dentist near you.
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- Cleaning the teeth
A dental professional will clean your teeth thoroughly. They use various techniques to eliminate all plaque and calculus from your teeth. As a result, once the fluoride is applied to teeth during the treatment, it will be absorbed maximally.
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- Fluoride application
The dentist will apply a concentrated fluoride gel, varnish or foam on your teeth. They may use a swab or brush to apply the varnish to all the tooth surfaces. Alternatively, the dentist may apply fluoride gel on a dental tray and then ask you to wear it for a few minutes. Fluoride application takes less than three minutes. Therefore, even the most fidgety child can get it without a fuss.
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- Absorption of fluoride
After fluoride application, the mineral must be absorbed into teeth for maximum effectiveness. The absorption process takes a minimum of 30 minutes. Therefore, you must not take anything in the next half an hour following a fluoride treatment. Do not worry about any discomfort since fluoride has a pleasant taste and fruity smell.
Other Tips for Managing Sensitive Teeth
There are other ways to manage sensitive teeth. Some involve visiting the dentist in Lancaster, SC, while others can be done at home. Below are tips that can help you manage tooth sensitivity.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste regularly.
- Brush your teeth gently using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Rinse your mouth frequently with saltwater to reduce bacteria that cause enamel erosion.
- Avoid acidic beverages and foods because they increase sensitivity.
- Visit a dentist
Persistent dentin hypersensitivity usually indicates an underlying dental problem. First, a dentist will evaluate your teeth to check for issues causing the discomfort. Afterwards, they will recommend a suitable treatment to provide relief.
If your sensitivity is due to exposed tooth roots, they recommend a gum graft. They will use tissues from your mouth to cover the exposed roots and prevent sensitivity. If you have cavities that cause sensitivity, the expert will treat them. They may use fillings, onlays, crowns or inlays.
The expert can also perform a dental sealant procedure. It involves applying protective plastic material on teeth. The coating acts as a barrier between your teeth and hot or cold substances. Dental sealants also prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion. Therefore, your child will avoid tooth sensitivity in the future. Schedule an appointment with us at Kid First Dental Lancaster.