Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your favorite ice cream or chilled beverages.

If hot or cold beverages are a Big No-No! You probably have sensitive teeth. Here is a list of the best treatments for teeth sensitivity curated by the best dentists in Mumbai.

Take Care of Your Tooth Enamel

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the outer layer, enamel, being worn away to reveal the inner layer called dentin.

Dentin contains tubules that can be considered pipes. These pipes contain fibers that travel to the nerve. This increases sensitivity to hot and cold.

At-home treatments

If you are suffering from mild-to-moderate sensitivity, the best dentists in Mumbai recommend using desensitizing toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste contains active ingredients that block the pain signals from the dentinal tubules and the sensory nerves inside. Some key ingredients found in most products include:

• Potassium nitrate- It clogs the identical tubules and blocks the transmission of pain to the brain. (eg Sensodyne Repair and Protect, Colgate Total Plus)

• Fluoride- It strengthens tooth enamel by forming a protective layer. (RA Thermoseal)

• Arginine- It plugs the openings in dentin and forms a protective layer on the tooth. (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief)

• Bioactive glass (Novamin) seals and clogs open dentinal tubules. (Shy- NM or Elsenz)

The best dentists in Mumbai recommend using desensitizing toothpaste for the same.

In-office treatment

If severe sensitivity persists even after your dentist suggests other dental care options, your dentist can recommend:

• Fluoride- Your dentist might apply fluoride varnish to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Fluoride varnish allows slow and continuous release of fluoride helping rebuild weakened enamel.

• Desensitizing or bonding- Sensitivity caused by exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.

• Lasers- Lasers can be used to seal open dentinal tubules by themselves or in combination with other materials.

• Fillings- The dentist might consider filling a notch if the sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces and there is a loss of tooth structure. The fillings will restore the tooth’s contour and seal the exposed and open dentinal tubules.

• Surgical gum graft- If your gums have come out and your root can be seen, the dentist will take a small amount of gum tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and attach it to the painful site. This can protect exposed roots and alleviate sensitivity.

• Root canal Treatment – For eliminating tooth sensitivity, the best root canal specialists recommend oot canal treatment. If all the above-mentioned treatment modalities aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp).

Pro-tips from the best dentists in Mumbai to prevent sensitivity

• Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

• Good dental care isn’t defined by how hard you are brushing. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, just use your brush gently.

• Stop using abrasive toothpaste for dental care.

• Stay away from acidic foods and drinks as they remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time.

• Drinking acidic and carbonated beverages with a straw will limit contact with your teeth.

• If you suffer from acidity problems, visit your doctor and correct it at the earliest.

• If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouthguard.