Do You Suffer from Sensitive Teeth?

It can be frustrating to have to avoid ice cream and coffee due to wincing tooth pain. Teeth sensitivity is a common oral health problem that impacts nearly 40 million adults in the United States. However, this is an issue that shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience twinges of sharp pain when your teeth come in contact with certain substances (hot, cold, acidic or sweet), you need to let your dentist investigate.

What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?

Teeth sensitivity can certainly be annoying and disruptive to deal with. However, it can also be an indication that your dental health is in danger. In most cases, sensitive teeth are related to damage within the tooth enamel or the gum line, both of which normally protect the underlying dentin of your teeth. If the enamel wears down or your gum line recedes, the dentin becomes exposed. Unfortunately, this dentin layer contains pathways to the nerves at the center of your teeth, which will react painfully to cold, hot or sweet elements.

What causes the enamel to erode or gums to recede in the first place? Here are some common reasons why you may be suffering from sensitive teeth:

  • Aggressive brushing, particularly with a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • Gum recession due to periodontal disease
  • Gingivitis, the inflammation of gum tissue
  • Cracked teeth filled with bacteria from plaque buildup
  • Teeth grinding
  • Long-term use of acidic mouthwash
  • Acidic foods
  • Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments (as opposed to professional dental treatments)

Getting Relief from Your Sensitive Smile

Like most dental problems, we treat sensitive teeth based on its specific cause. While some patients may need to avoid sodas or start using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, other patients may require a filling, root canal or gum grafting procedure to get long-term relief. At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we can determine the culprit for sensitive teeth and help you regain the comfortable and confident smile you deserve.

Posted on behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry