Are you having a hard time enjoying your favorite cold dessert or hot beverage because of sensitive teeth? You’re not alone! In fact, feeling painful sensitivity to the teethis one of the most common complaints from dental patients when it comes to dental problems.
Cause of Sensitive Teeth
So why do you have sensitive teeth? Your teeth are covered with a protective outer layer known as enamel. Underneath your enamel is a less dense layer known as dentin. The dentin layer contains small hollow tubes and canals; when your enamel has weakened, these microscopic tubules are exposed, and therefore allow the temperatures of cold or hot foods to reach the nerves and various tissues inside the tooth. As a result, you may feel discomfort anytime you consume such foods.
In other words, if your tooth enamel is weakened, either from decay, fractures, gum disease, or natural wear, you have a higher chance of experiencing sensitivity in your teeth.
Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth
Fortunately, advances in dental technology and research have allowed us to create solutions for patients frequently experiencing sensitive teeth. Depending on your situation, we may recommend one or more of the following solutions:
- Desensitizing Toothpaste – Desensitizing toothpaste contains special compounds that help block extreme sensations—such as cold and hot temperatures—from traveling from the tooth surface to its nerves and soft tissue. While this kind of toothpaste will not yield immediate results, over time your sensitivity will decrease after several applications.
- In-office Treatments – If desensitizing toothpaste is not effective, we may recommend a special desensitizing treatment from our office. In some cases, we may apply a fluoride gel to your teeth to help rebuild the strength of your enamel or some other type of desensitizing treatment.
Of course, practicing healthy dental habits and oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and drinking fluoridated water can help protect your tooth enamel from weakening and exposing your teeth to sensitivity. If you’re experiencing teeth sensitivity, give our office a call for an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you!
