Senior citizens are often affected by tooth sensitivity, and it is a disturbing feeling that alters their quality of life. Tooth sensitivity is common in Virginia, particularly because a substantial portion of its population is aging says a dentist in Alexandria, Virginia. In this article, we will discuss the causes of tooth sensitivity and possible solutions for senior citizens in Virginia.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity in Seniors

Tooth sensitivity among seniors is associated with several causes, most of which are naturally related to aging. They include:

Enamel erosion: The enamel is the hard outer layer around the tooth and generally wears out after brushing the teeth regularly over the years. Additionally, acidic foods and drinks or teeth grinding may all cause the enamel to wear out with time. After it has worn out, the dentin beneath the enamel, which often goes up to the nerves, may be left exposed, causing sensitivity.
Gum recession: The gums recede as one becomes old, and there are various ways through which it may happen, including gum disease or harsh brushing of the teeth. As the gums go back, the tooth roots, which are not covered by the enamel, are exposed. This increases sensitivity to the teeth.
Tooth decay and cavities: Cavities may also result in sensitivity. Many older adults might lack sufficient fluorine, which may lead to more cavities around the tooth’s filling or roots. With a cavity in these regions, the tooth sensitivity shoots up.
Worn filling and dental work: The filling and dental work may also be a significant source of cavities. It has to break done and create a gap or crack where bacteria can cause sensitivity if it is wholly broken.
Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding is common and harmless among many people, including senior citizens. Unfortunately, teeth grinding aids in dentin exposure and, consequently, tooth sensitivity.

Solutions to manage tooth sensitivity

Proper management of tooth sensitivity in seniors involves a mixture of solutions from how to prevent the issues from recurring and the possible treatment modalities. Several solutions are available to manage the sensitivity itself once it manifests.

1. Use of desensitizing toothpaste

One of the easiest and most effective ways to deal with tooth sensitivity is using desensitizing toothpaste. This toothpaste comprises a compound that blocks the sensory receptors responsible for transmitting pain from the tooth surface to the nerves, reducing the pain over time.

2. Dental bonding or sealants

For individuals with exposed roots due to gum recession or significant wear of teeth due to acid softening, dentists recommend placing some material on the surface to reduce the sensitivity and prevent further acid attack. The material may be applied as a bond or sealing on the surface of the roots and other areas.

3. Gum grafting

In extreme cases, the dentist may require doing the gum grafting procedure in patients with severe gum recession that exposes the roots. The procedure includes taking soft tissue from a different part of the mouth and suturing the gum to cover the exposed root.

4. Relieving bruxism

In instances where the patient has bruxism, the dentist may issue a mouthguard to be worn while sleeping. Wearing the night guard prevents the further wearing of teeth mixing the teeth and relieving the sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among Virginia seniors, but they don’t have to surrender quality of life. With an understanding of the reasons for sensitivity and a little extra work, seniors can keep sensitive teeth at bay to enjoy good oral health with less discomfort. Seeing a dentist on your usual dental check-up, proper oral care, and participating in desensitizer work is useful in preventing tooth sensitivity. Properly cared for, seniors can still have healthy and pain-free smiles into their golden years.