The enamel of your teeth is quite hard, sturdy and typically not sensitive to temperature changes or sweet or sour tastes. However, when the underlying dentin is exposed, numerous tiny openings that reach the tooth’s nerve center allow these signals to travel there, and you then suffer discomfort.
Your teeth may also become more sensitive if the gums have receded and the roots are exposed. A tooth’s root is more sensitive than the crown.
A number of issues can cause sensitive teeth, so you should schedule a dental exam so that your dentist can determine the specific concern in your case and address that problem. Oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease, injury to a tooth, everyday wear and tear, teeth whitening treatments and acidic foods are among the more common culprits behind tooth sensitivity.
After the cause has been diagnosed, your dentist can then recommend the most appropriate treatment or approach to eliminating the sensitivity. If it’s a matter of plaque buildup, tooth decay or gum disease, you may need to be a bit more vigilant about your home oral hygiene routine and routine dental care to reduce your risk of those conditions. You may want to check in to make sure you’re not brushing too harshly and switch to a soft bristled brush and a specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Limiting acidic foods also may be helpful if these are a large presence in your diet.
Some treatments available from professionals, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, can also help to reduce sensitivity.
Symptom relief is a realistic hope for patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity. Call our office to schedule an evaluation that will indicate the cause of your condition so that you and your provider can develop a plan to address it.
