“Sensitive teeth never completely disappear,” Culotta-Norton said. “Symptoms may be less or even seem to go away for a while but unless the reasons why a person’s teeth become sensitive are completely eliminated the sensitivity will come and go.”

There are several types of treatment available, and each dentist has his or her favorites that they are most likely to recommend, according to Culotta-Norton. She stressed that there is no single treatment option that works for everyone. “Proper diagnosis of the reason for the sensitivity is essential in treating sensitivity. If the reason for the sensitivity is addressed, the treatment chosen will be more successful in decreasing pain. If the dentist just treats sensitivity without addressing the reason for it the problem will continue and get worse,” she said.

The following are some at-home treatments suggested by the dentist:

Desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste for sensitive teeth available. Your dentist may recommend one or you may have to try different brands until you find the product that works for you. Be sure to use fluoridated toothpaste for sensitive teeth, not tartar-control toothpaste. Try spreading a thin layer of the desensitizing toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots before bed.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Avoid highly acidic foods.

Use a fluoridated mouthwash daily.

Avoid teeth grinding. Consider getting a mouth guard.

The following are some dental procedures that may reduce tooth sensitivity, according to ADA:

Bonding, crowns or inlays. These may fix a tooth flaw or decay that is causing sensitivity.

Fluoride gel or varnish.

Surgical gum graft. This will protect the root and reduce sensitivity if the gum tissue has eroded from the root.

Root canal. This is a last-resort treatment for severe tooth sensitivity that has not been helped by other methods.

Advances in flouride treatments

Findings published in 2015 in Caries Research suggest that fluoride alone can’t prevent tooth erosion, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, and neither can fluoride combined with other protective agents. The authors suggest that protective products containing titanium tetrafluoride, polyvalent metal ions and some polymers may offer more protection. The authros said more studies were needed to determine the efficacy of these additives. Some toothpastes contain potentially protective polymers, according to Pocket Dentistry. These polymers appear as toothpaste ingredients arboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol.

In 2014, the FDA approved the use of silver diamine fluoride to treat tooth sensitivity, according to the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD). The topical treatment has long been popular in Asia and Europe and used to prevent pain and caries. A short-term 2011 clinical trial in Peru published in the Journal of Dental Research found that participants with tooth sensitivity who underwent topical silver diamine fluoride applications saw significantly reduced levels of pain. Silver diamine fluoride application results in a harder tooth surface, helping to prevent further decay. It also protects exposed dentin from potentially painful stimuli.

Silver diamine fluoride treatments must be applied by a dental practitioner, according to the ASTDD. Typically, silver diamine fluoride is applied twice a year. When applied over spots of decayed dentin, silver diamine fluoride results in a permanent black spot on the tooth. People with silver allergies should not use this treatment.

Source: https://www.livescience.com/44377-sensitive-teeth.html