Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Tartar And Calcium Buildup: Can These Problems Cause Extreme Tooth Sensitivity?
Jordan Arnold
If your teeth feel very sensitive to cold, heat, sugar, or other stimuli, and you can't find any signs of decay in your teeth, you could have something else going on. Your sensitive teeth may be due to tartar and calcium buildup. Learn how tartar and calcium buildup affect your tooth enamel below.
Do You Have Tartar and Calcium Buildup?
One of the biggest catalysts for tooth sensitivity is tartar. Tartar forms when soft bacteria-laden plaque hardens along your gumline. The hard substance can also grow beneath your gums. If tartar stays on your molars, or any of your teeth, for a set period of time, it can eventually erode or decay your enamel. Eroded or decayed enamel exposes the sensitive nerves inside your teeth to air, cold, and heat.
Calcium buildup can also cause sensitivity in your back teeth. Calcium is normally good for your teeth. However, some adults and children suffer from a unique dental condition known as hypocalcification. Hypocalcification occurs when your tooth enamel doesn't have enough calcium to keep them strong and resilient. The condition weakens and discolors your enamel as well as exposes your teeth roots to air and other stimuli.
If you suspect that you have tartar or calcium buildup on your enamel, call a dental office or dentist soon.
In addition to tartar and calcium buildup, your molars can feel sensitive if you grind your teeth.
What Can You Do for Your Sensitive Teeth?
One of the solutions for your overly sensitive teeth is to deep-clean them. A dentist can deep-clean your tooth enamel with a procedure called scaling. Although scaling is often used on people who have gum disease, it can also work well for individuals who have calcium, plaque, and tartar buildup.
Scaling may be somewhat uncomfortable for people with sensitive tooth enamel or gums. But a dentist can apply a numbing agent to the surfaces of your gums to make you feel more at ease during the cleaning. Some individuals choose to use laughing gas during their cleaning. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, will place you in a gentle and calm state of mind.
If a dental provider finds any other problems with your teeth, they may schedule you for an additional appointment. Bruxism and gingivitis are other dental problems that can make your teeth crowns feel uncomfortable. Bruxism, in particular, can break down the bite and cutting surfaces of your tooth enamel over time. If pieces of food, cold air, or heat enters the broken enamel, it can cause you pain. You may also develop other symptoms that cause your teeth to feel extremely sensitive, including jaw pain and weakness.
After your dental visit, take additional steps to keep the sensitivity out of your teeth. For example, if you have a problem processing calcium, ask a dentist for recommendations on what to eat to improve your calcium intake. You may also speak to your family doctor about your condition. Some doctors and dentists work together to treat their patients' unique conditions.
Also, try to be more proactive in your dental care and hygiene. If you eat on the go, keep a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste on hand. You should also keep floss in your vehicle or at your desk. You want to remove as much plaque from your teeth as you can during the day, which can help prevent tartar buildup and other issues.
Finally, keep your tooth crowns clean by seeing your dentist every six months to a year. A dental team will discuss the best times to clean your teeth and how often when you visit the office.
If you have extremely sensitive teeth and need help treating them, contact a dental office today.
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