Have you ever felt a “zing!” on a tooth upon taking a sip of hot coffee or a lick of ice cream? Having sensitive teeth is a very common problem. But there’s no reason to endure the pain or discomfort. If you’ve noticed tooth sensitivity, schedule a checkup today and let’s see what’s going on. We’re here to help.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can occur when the hard outer tooth layer called enamel wears down, exposing the underlying softer dentin of your tooth. Hot and cold temperatures can easily permeate through dentin and reach the central nerve of your tooth, causing pain and sensitivity.
Proper diagnosis is the key to successfully treating tooth sensitivity. We can help to relieve tooth sensitivity by addressing the underlying cause.
Causes of sensitive teeth may include:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Dental decay
- Brushing too hard
- Frequent use of whitening products
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Gum recession
- Gum disease
Managing Sensitive Teeth
Don’t try to endure a sensitive tooth. Schedule an appointment with us to determine what might be going on in your mouth.
You may elect to try these at-home care tips to manage your discomfort until you can come in and see us:
- Always use a soft toothbrush (extra-soft if you can!)
- Use toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks
- Avoid foods that are excessively hot or cold
- Try a nightguard
- Take a break from teeth whitening treatments
