Edentulism: it’s a term that you may not have heard of, but you might know someone who has been diagnosed with it. Check out the information below to learn about this oral health condition, and to access some tips on how you can prevent it. read more
Spirit Dental Resources
Updated, September 2022
An overbite is a common dental condition among children and adults. While a minor degree of overbite is indistinct and usually unproblematic, severe cases may lead to low self-esteem and more serious health issues.
We have all the details regarding overbites, what causes them and how to correct them below.
What is an overbite?
An overbite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This overlap may be so severe that the lower teeth touch the gums behind the lower teeth.
Types of overbites
There are two common types of overbite — skeletal and dental — but some patients may have a combination of both.
A skeletal overbite occurs when a person’s jaw bone has developed irregularly and the upper and lower jaw don’t align, pushing top teeth forward.
A dental overbite occurs when the jaw is aligned, but either poor teeth alignment or overcrowding pushes the lower jaw back.
Your dentist or orthodontist will measure the severity of your overbite based on a percentage scale to determine the best course of action.
What causes an overbite?
Overbite can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
Genetics
Habits as an infant or toddler, such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use
Habits as a teen or adult, such as nail biting or chewing on pens
Teeth grinding
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
How to fix an overbite
Because teeth aren’t lining up as they should, an overbite needs to be corrected — and the sooner you can fix it, the better. If you’ve been diagnosed with an overbite, you’ve got a number of options for treatment.
Braces
While typically viewed as a method for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, braces can also correct jaw alignment, helping to fix an overbite. There are various types of braces, all of which are designed to shift and straighten teeth over time. Traditional metal braces are secured to the teeth with cement and linked together using archwire. Elastic bands will likely also be fitted to the brackets to align the jaw through constant pressure. After the braces are removed, a retainer is beneficial for keeping the newly aligned teeth in place permanently.
On average, this process takes about two years, though it will differ from patient to patient.
Invisalign
Don’t want to deal with the discomfort or appearance of traditional braces? Invisalign is a popular alternative that uses a series of clear trays to gradually mold your teeth into the desired position. While Invisalign costs more than braces, this treatment is far less noticeable and takes less time (about a year total). And if you have orthodontic insurance for adults, you may be able to save money.
Overbite surgery
In more severe overbite cases that can’t be treated with orthodontic treatment alone, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to realign jaw bones and restore symmetry in the face. This approach is typically only used for adults, since children’s teeth and bones are still developing.
Tooth extraction
Overcrowded teeth may be the culprit for what’s causing an overbite. In a child or teen, a dental professional may recommend removing certain baby teeth to create more space for adult teeth to come in straight. When teeth hold their normal position, the jaw also aligns normally.
Adults may also require extraction prior to using braces or Invisalign, so teeth have room to move into alignment.
Why is overbite correction important?
You may want to fix your overbite for appearance reasons, but treatment in fact also helps to prevent other health complications — not just to the teeth — down the road.
When left untreated, overbite can cause:
TMJ
Tooth decay or gum disease
Misalignment of teeth
Jaw pain
Risk for teeth breakage
Speech problems
Headache
Discomfort while eating
Sleep apnea
Altered facial structure
Dental insurance can help with overbite correction
Fixing your overbite will not only give you a boost in confidence, but it will also keep your smile healthy and prevent other debilitating conditions. Enroll in a dental insurance plan to help shoulder some of the cost of an overbite correction procedure.
Spirit Dental has low-cost dental insurance with no waiting periods. Get the treatment you need now—request a quote today.
Braces are amazing because they can give you the perfect smile that will make you feel more confident. But they do require extra maintenance when it comes to keeping them clean. Get ready to spend a little more time in the bathroom, making sure that all of the tiny spaces within your braces are thoroughly cleaned of food particles that could get trapped in there and lead to damaging plaque and bacteria.
What are the main steps when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re wearing braces? Your orthodontist will be able to answer all of your specific questions and provide excellent, personalized guidance, but we’ve outlined some tips below.
Brushing Is Oh So Important
Brushing your teeth when you have braces is critical. It’s a major step in removing debris and bacteria that could otherwise fester and lead to serious tooth and gum problems.
Experts recommend taking your standard brushing routine up a notch by brushing after every meal, including snacks, so that you can keep your braces as clean as possible and prevent unsightly stains on the teeth. But if you don’t do that, you should at least stick to brushing a minimum of two times a day, in the morning and before bed. In lieu of additional brushing sessions, you can rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash several times a day, as that can help loosen debris too.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Cleaning Braces
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to start loosening up food particles that are stuck in and around the braces.
Using an interdental brush, clean in between every set of brackets. This will help brush away debris that could be hard for your regular toothbrush to reach.
Holding a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45° angle makes it easier to get around the pins and wires of your braces. Brushing from the top to the bottom of every wire will help you remove debris and plaque. Don’t rush the process.
Next, you can brush your teeth by angling the toothbrush at a 45° angle again, but this time at the gum line. Use a circular brushing motion on every surface of every tooth. Be gentle!
Once you’re all done brushing, it’s time to floss. We know it’s annoying, but it’s really important, especially when you have traditional braces. The good news is that you can stick to flossing just once a day, although you could certainly do it more often if you want or need to. Talk to your orthodontist about special flossing tools, like floss threaders, that can make the job easier.
Finally, it’s time to rinse your mouth with water or some mouthwash. Check your braces, teeth, and gums in the mirror, and you’re all set!
Special Tools Make the Job Simpler
Here are a few special tools that can help make keeping your braces clean a lot easier:
Interdental/Interproximal Brush: This is a helpful tool when you need to get in between the brackets, as well as under those metal wires. You might be surprised by all of the debris that you’re able to pull out that your toothbrush and floss would miss!
Floss Threader: This tool helps you get the floss in between your teeth, despite the braces being in the way. It basically works like a needle and thread, and it really is a lifesaver when it comes to flossing in areas that are hard to reach.
4 Tuft Interdental Brush: This brush can be useful if you need to get into gaps or spaces in between your teeth. It’s also another tool that you can use to clean your brackets.
Visit Your Orthodontist and Your Dentist!
You’ll need to see your orthodontist regularly so that he or she can check your braces and make sure your treatment plan is set to achieve the desired results (having the right insurance, such as dental insurance that covers braces, can make seeing the orthodontist a lot more affordable).
In addition to seeing your orthodontist, don’t forget to make appointments with your dentist, too. A routine checkup will look for symptoms associated with gum disease and cavities so you can rest assured that your at-home oral hygiene routine is working. And a routine cleaning every six months is a fantastic way to remove anything that you missed.
You’re on Your Way to a Straight—and Clean—Smile!
No matter what type of braces, whether it be metal braces or clear plastic braces, it does require some extra steps. While it might be a little challenging at first, once you get into a routine, you’ll start to realize that it doesn’t take much time at all to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy while the braces do their work.
Sources:
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/how-to-take-care-of-braces/
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/good-dental-hygiene-is-critical-for-kids-with-braces
https://blog.1stfamilydental.com/great-oral-hygiene-with-braces/
https://vitadentalhouston.com/blog/maintain-great-oral-hygiene-braces/
Even as an adult, a trip to the dentist can cause some anxiety. But, for kids, it could be downright frightening. So what can you do to ease your child’s fears when it’s time to have their teeth checked or when a cavity needs to be filled?
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It
Communication can be a first step in helping your son or daughter feel more relaxed about going to the dentist.
You could start by letting your child know that you’ve set up a dentist appointment for them. Then, explain why it’s necessary to see the dentist regularly. Your message could also include the fact that everyone goes to the dentist, including you, and it really isn’t anything to fear.
It’s best to keep your attitude towards the dentist as positive as possible, and clarify that the dentist is there to help keep everyone’s smile looking beautiful. Avoid the use of words like “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt.” Keep it lighthearted!
By simply allowing your kid to talk to you about their fears, and by giving straightforward answers to any questions they have, you might find that their anxiety is reduced.
Tip: If your child is asking a lot of questions about dental procedures that seem scary, it might not be a good idea to dive into too many details. Instead, leave all of that to your dentist, who has experience with explaining things to kids in a way that could help them calm down. You could even let your dentist know in advance that your child has anxiety so that steps can be taken to make the experience as non-threatening as possible.
Let’s Play Pretend!
In addition to talking to your kid about an upcoming trip to the dentist, you could even move through a pretend exam at home. Have your child recline in a comfortable chair to act as the patient, while you pretend to be the dentist. Fun!
Using imagination and playtime can be a good way to prepare for what to expect in a real dentist’s chair. You might start by looking at your kid’s teeth and counting them, and you could even use a mirror so that your child can see what’s happening.
Tip: During your pretend dental appointment, avoid using a dental drill or making drilling sounds. No one likes that!
Read a Book Together
There are many children’s books written with the intention of reducing a little one’s fears of going to the dentist. Purchasing one or more of these books and reading them with your kid can be another helpful step.
Here are some options to get you started:
What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff
Dora the Explorer's Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist
SpongeBob SquarePants’ Behold No Cavities! A Visit to the Dentist
Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi
Take a Favorite Toy to the Appointment
If your child is very young, having a favorite toy to hold might be extremely comforting while their mouth is being examined.
A toy may even serve as a calming distraction while you’re in the waiting room. We all know how sitting for a long time before your appointment can lead to anxiety and frustration!
Stick with a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist’s office will be quite different from one that’s designed for adults. It might be less intimidating, especially if it’s filled with distracting toys and games, TV shows, and fun pictures on the walls.
Although every great dentist will know how to make a child feel comfortable and secure during an exam or a procedure, the staff at a pediatric dentist’s office might have even more tricks up their sleeve to make your kid giggle.
Fun fact: A study found that the simple act of looking at positive photos, such as those of a stuffed animal in a dental chair, or kids smiling while being examined, could help reduce anticipatory anxiety while in the waiting room.
It’s Never Too Early to Learn Deep Breathing
What are some of the techniques that you use to calm down when your anxiety is kicking in? If your answer includes deep breathing, why not share that technique with your kid?
A few minutes of simple deep breathing could help relax both body and mind, and you can practice this with your child before the actual appointment. Then, once your child is in the waiting room and in the dentist’s chair, you can evoke this deep breathing exercise again. Ahh…much better!
Get Ready: Your Dentist Might Recommend Sedation
If your kid’s anxiety is super high and nothing seems to be helping, your dentist might recommend a form of sedation. An option for minimal sedation is laughing gas, which is also referred to as conscious sedation.
What’s great about laughing gas is that it calms you down but you’re still able to respond to stimuli, and you can also breathe on your own. For these reasons, it’s considered a safe choice for children who just need a little extra help relaxing.
Start ‘Em Young
Did you know that experts recommend taking your baby to the dentist for the first time no later than their first birthday?
The sooner your child experiences a dental appointment, the quicker they can realize that it’s not so bad after all. In fact, seeing the dentist could become just another routine that your kid becomes used to, especially if you have family dental insurance and you schedule appointments for cleanings and checkups throughout the year.
No Need for Anxiety!
Anxiety about a dental appointment? Hey, we’ve all been there! And it’s totally normal for kids who are unsure of what to expect to feel overwhelmed. It might take a bit of time and effort, but it’ll be worth it to ensure your child won’t be so scared when it’s time to see the dentist—which means you’ll be able to relax, too!
Sources:
https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/19-dentistry-for-kids/161-your-child-has-dental-anxiety-here-s-what-you-should-do
https://www.parents.com/health/dental/kids-overcome-fear-dentists/
https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/blog/8-books-for-dentist-fearing-children/
https://www.turnaroundanxiety.com/child-afraid-dentist-managing-dental-anxiety/
Oral cancer will affect more than 50,000 people in 2018 alone, and it’s estimated that more than 10,000 people will die from this terrible disease. Knowing the most common risk factors for this type of cancer might help you feel more in control, as you can take steps to reduce your odds by leading a healthier lifestyle.
Below are a few oral cancer risk factors to consider for yourself and your family.
Things You Can’t Control
When it comes to risk factors for any disease, there are sometimes a few things that you just can’t control, and this applies to oral cancer as well.
Age - The risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer increases with age. The average age of patients who are diagnosed is 62. Two-thirds of the people who have oral cancer are over the age of 55.
Genetics - Your genes might influence your risk of developing oral cancer, particularly if you have certain abnormalities that are inherited from your parents. Genetic syndromes like Fanconi anemia and Dyskeratosis congenita are a couple of examples. In fact, if you’re diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, your oral cancer risk is a whopping 500 times higher, while being diagnosed with Dyskeratosis congenita may cause you to have a very high risk of oral cancer at a younger age. Yikes!
Gender - Oral cancer is twice as common in men than women. However, experts think that this might have more to do with differences in lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
Things You Can Control
Even though there are some risk factors, like age, genetics, and gender, that you can’t really control, there are plenty of things that are in your power.
UV Exposure - Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun may increase your risk of cancers of the lip, so protecting yourself with a lip balm that provides SPF protection is a smart move.
Diet - According to some studies, eating a diet that’s low in veggies and fruits might increase the risk of oral cancer, particularly if a poor diet leads to deficiencies in key nutrients. So be sure to eat your greens!
Tobacco Use - It should come as no surprise that tobacco use is also to blame for an increase in oral cancer risk (this includes cigarettes, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and cigars). Roughly 80% of individuals who are diagnosed with oral cancer chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes. And just being exposed to secondhand smoke might also boost your risk of cancer as well. A great reason to quit!
Alcohol Use - Drinking too much alcohol might also make you more susceptible to someday being diagnosed with oral cancer. Roughly 70% of the patients who are diagnosed are considered heavy drinkers (an average of more than one drink per day if you’re a woman; an average of two or more drinks per day if you’re a man). And if you combine smoking and drinking, your risk will be even greater.
Medical Conditions and Viruses
In addition to the factors that you can and can’t control above, there are also other medical conditions, as well as viruses, that may contribute to the risk of developing oral cancer.
Compromised Immune System – If your immune system is suppressed because of another condition or certain medications, you might be more susceptible to oral cancer. Consider talking to your doctor to find out how you can better support your immune system to help reduce your risk.
HPV –Some strains of the human papillomavirus (better known as HPV) may contribute to the development of oral cancer. Roughly 25% of individuals with oral cancer are also infected with HPV. And those who have oral cancer that’s linked to this virus tend to be non-drinkers and non-smokers. Scary!
Graft-versus-host disease – Also known simply as GVHD, this is a condition that may develop after a stem cell transplant. Basically, the transplanted stem cells attack the patient’s cells, damaging the body’s tissues and potentially increasing the risk of oral cancer.
Lichen planus –If you’ve been diagnosed with severe lichen planus, which can lead to white spots or lines in the throat and mouth, you might also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer.
Your Dentist: An Asset in Your Fight Against Oral Cancer!
You might only think of your dentist when you need to have your teeth cleaned or you need to check for cavities and gum disease, but seeing your dentist is another way that you can stay on top of your oral health. After all, in addition to looking for signs of tooth and gum problems, your dentist is also equipped to look for symptoms of cancer in the mouth. In other words, when it comes to cancer prevention and early diagnosis, your dentist is your friend!
Oral cancer is definitely frightening, but when you look at the risk factors, what you’ll realize is that there are a lot of things that you can do to reduce your odds of being diagnosed. Lead a healthy lifestyle, see your dentist regularly, and take care of yourself at home by brushing, flossing, and examining your mouth in the mirror every day.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
https://www.cancercenter.com/oral-cancer/risk-factors
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-cancer-slideshow
When it comes to aligning teeth, you might immediately think of braces. But, these days, there are a lot of options to choose from, especially when you’re searching for the perfect solution for your teen’s teeth.
One of the most popular products available is Invisalign. But how does it stack up against traditional braces? Keep reading for a comparison of Invisalign vs braces so you can make the right decision.
A Few Things You Need to Know About Invisalign
First up, let’s talk about Invisalign. Here are some of the features that this dental treatment comes with:
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, BPA-free plastic, and they’re virtually invisible, so no one will know that you’re wearing one. Yay!
There aren’t any wires or brackets to worry about. Woohoo! This also means you don’t have to deal with them breaking, and you won’t have to book an emergency appointment to fix them.
You could—and should—remove your aligner for drinking and eating (you don’t have to remove it to drink water). And it’s easy! But you do need to make sure you keep the aligner in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours per day, and you should brush your teeth before putting the aligner back in your mouth in order to prevent stains.
You could also remove the aligner so you can maintain your at-home brushing and flossing routine. Keep those pearly whites looking fabulous, without having to worry about your braces leaving stains or causing plaque to build up. Sweet!
The aligner is trimmed to your gum line for a customized and comfortable fit. No need to worry about discomfort from the wires of traditional braces. However, there might still be discomfort as a side effect of the teeth being moved into position.
You need to be diligent about cleaning the aligner whenever you remove it. The Invisalign Cleaning System can be purchased from your dentist or online, or you can brush the aligner with toothpaste and a toothbrush before rinsing with lukewarm water.
The aligner will be changed, on average, every couple of weeks, and it will be up to you to stay on track in between your orthodontic appointments. You also need to follow up with your orthodontist every four to six weeks, on average, to keep track of progress.
Like braces, your orthodontist might recommend that you continue using a retainer or positioner, perhaps only while you sleep, after your teeth are in proper alignment so that they can stay that way.
Many orthodontic insurance plans, such as those that are offered by Spirit Dental, will help cover the cost of Invisalign for a teen in the same way that braces would be covered.
A Few Things to Consider When It Comes to Braces
Next up are traditional braces. You can already picture them in your mind as we speak, right?
Braces are set in place by your orthodontist, and they can’t be removed, so you have to wear them 24/7. However, this eliminates the risk of leaving them out for too long, so braces are a good choice for absent-minded teens or those who lack the self-discipline to use Invisalign correctly.
If you don’t want metal braces, you could opt for those that are made to more closely match the color of your teeth. Or, you could choose a fun color if you want to be a little more adventurous and make a statement.
Braces might be harder to set into place, and they’ll need to be adjusted regularly. On average, you’ll need to have a follow-up visit with your orthodontist every month.
You need to carefully brush the wires and brackets, and perhaps incorporate the use of a water flosser, to ensure you keep the braces and your teeth as clean as possible.
Because you don’t take braces out of your mouth, you can brush and floss your teeth as you always did, without having to worry about cleaning an aligner. One less step to worry about!
There might be side effects, such as discomfort, sores, or pain. It might also be more difficult to eat foods that are hard or sticky. No fun!
Treatment time might be longer with braces than with Invisalign. However, for complex alignment problems, braces might be more effective than Invisalign. It really all depends on the condition of your teeth!
Braces aren’t recommended for teens who participate in contact sports, and they might also get in the way of other pastimes, whereas Invisalign can be removed for certain activities.
Braces might be more affordable than Invisalign, but the final cost will ultimately depend upon the complexity of the treatment needed to align the teeth.
A Lot to Think About!
Whoa, that’s quite a bit of information to consider, and a lot of pros and cons to weigh as you and your teen decide on whether to go with Invisalign or braces. The bottom line is that both of these options can help give anyone a perfect smile.
When it comes to making the right choice for your teen’s unique needs, an orthodontist will be able to steer you in the right direction, so it all starts with making that first appointment. And when all is said and done, your teen can finally have a smile they’ll be proud to show off.
Sources:
https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/comparison-chart
https://myorthodontistus.com/braces-vs-invisalign/
https://myorthodontistus.com/invisalign-teen-vs-braces/
https://brimhalldentalgroup.com/bakersfield-ca/invisalign-vs-traditional-braces/
https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Well, you certainly aren’t alone. This common condition can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite hot and/or cold foods and drinks, which is a real bummer.
Determining the reason for your sensitivity can be your first step in getting relief. To learn more about what might be to blame, check out this list of some of the main causes of tooth sensitivity.
First, a Quick Lesson on Tooth Anatomy
Picture a healthy tooth. There will be a layer of strong enamel on the outside of the tooth to protect the crown, and there will also be a layer of cementum to shield the root underneath the gum line. Beneath the cementum and the enamel will be the tooth’s dentin, which is less dense.
If the enamel or the cementum wears away, the dentin will become increasingly sensitive to cold and heat, as well as foods that are sticky or acidic. That’s because there are tubules within the dentin that let the aggravating qualities from foods and drinks reach and stimulate the nerves in the tooth. And that’s why you might experience hypersensitivity when you drink or chew certain foods, or even when you breathe in and out through your mouth. Ouch!
What Can Cause Your Teeth to Become Sensitive?
There are several ways that your enamel or cementum could be worn away, leading to increased discomfort when eating and drinking.
Tooth Decay & Damage: If there is tooth decay present, if a tooth is fractured or broken, or if a filling is leaky or worn out, the dentin of the tooth might be exposed, leading to sensitivity. Seeing your dentist, who can make necessary repairs to the tooth, can make your tooth feel fabulous again.
Diet: Your teeth can erode over time if you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, soda, orange juice, pickled foods, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Sugary foods, such as cake, cookies, ice cream, and candy, can also contribute to the formation of acids that break down teeth. As enamel wears away, the inner parts of a tooth become more exposed and you start to feel the sensitivity. Pro tip: check out our list of the best and worst foods for your teeth so you can vary your diet and take a step towards protecting those pearly whites.
Receding Gums: Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed and vulnerable, and that could result in sensitivity. If you start to notice that your gums are beginning to look as though they’re pulling away from your teeth, talk to your dentist to find out what’s causing the gum recession so that it can be resolved.
Gum Disease: If you have periodontal disease that has infected your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, you may experience sensitivity. Leaving this condition untreated will allow it to progress to the point that your gums separate from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and cause a lot of damage, including tooth loss. Super scary!
Brushing All Wrong: You could end up wearing away your enamel by brushing your teeth too hard, or by using a toothbrush that has stiff, hard bristles. Plus, brushing too hard isn’t only capable of damaging your enamel; it could also lead to gum injuries and gum recession. That’s why experts recommend brushing with gentle pressure and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. How can you know if you’re brushing too hard? Well, you might find yourself going through toothbrushes more often than you should.
Grinding Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw a lot during the day, the outer layer of your chompers can become damaged as a result of the pressure and friction. Consider talking to your dentist about bruxism and the treatments available to combat it.
Dental Treatments: After you have your teeth cleaned, they might feel sensitive for a little while. This should be temporary. The same holds true after your dentist has placed a filling or a crown. If the sensitivity continues, however, discuss your symptoms with your dentist.
Whitening Treatments: Everyone wants a beautiful white smile, but whitening your teeth can cause them to feel sensitive temporarily as well. Whether you whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office, sensitivity might be a side effect, so you don’t want to overdo it and bleach your teeth too often.
Feeling Sensitive? Time to Make an Appointment with Your Dentist!
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity that just won’t go away, or if the sensitivity is getting worse, it’s best to call your dentist and make an appointment. After a thorough exam, your dentist will be able to figure out the cause of your tooth sensitivity, as well as offer up some treatment options. The solution might be as simple as switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, or as complex as a surgical gum graft, depending upon the reason for your discomfort and the level of damage.
Tooth sensitivity isn’t any fun at all, but if you work with your dentist, there’s hope that you can get the relief that you need so you can eat and drink without pain.
Sources:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_33.pdf?la=en
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity/what-causes-sensitive-teeth
https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/tooth-sensitivity-causes-solutions-prevention
https://www.listerine.com/tooth-sensitivity/causes-tooth-sensitivity