If you have not been to the dentist in years because you are afraid, and because you have sensitive teeth and gums, you can't put off going any longer. Part of the reason your mouth is so sensitive could be because you aren't getting the proper treatment it needs.

You need to get to a dentist that is known for being gentle, and that will use sedatives to help calm your nerves. The sedatives are going to make the cleanings and work that needs to be done much more bearable. Here are a few reasons why your sensitivity signs are warnings.

Enamel Loss

The teeth could be sensitive because you have enamel loss, which occurs over time. You can have your teeth sealed to help stop them from being so sensitive, and there are also pastes and rinses that the dentist can prescribe to help with the sensitivity.

Enamel loss also makes the teeth more susceptible to cavities, because the tooth is exposed. The dentist will check to see if you have any cavities, and may also want to do a fluoride treatment while you are there.

Gum Disease

If your gums are white, discolored, or they hurt when you brush and floss, you could have gum disease and that makes them sensitive. You don't just need to see a dentist to have the gum tissue cleaned, but you may also need to see a periodontist to have a deep tissue cleaning performed. The bacteria from the gum disease can also start to decay the teeth over time if it isn't treated.

Cavities

The sensitivity could also be caused by cavities. The longer a cavity goes without treatment, the worse it's going to get and you could end up needing a root canal instead of a basic filling. If the pain is caused by infection, you need the infection to be treated right away. A dental abscess that isn't treated can kill.

It's going to be easier for the dental professional to be gentle with your mouth when you are relaxed in the dental chair. You'll want to ask about sedatives in advance, so the dentist can explain your options. Oral medication, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia are going to be your options for the appointment, and your dentist will let you know which one they prefer that you use for your big day. The dentist will be gentle, and you won't have has as many worries because the medication is going to do its job.

For more information, check out dentists such as Ginger Scoggins DDS.