Dealing with Sensitive Teeth? Our Practice Can Help

If the simple pleasure of enjoying your favorite ice cream or sipping on a steaming cup of coffee is ruined by sharp tooth pain, it's time to get in touch with our dental practice. As experts in oral care, we'll determine the root cause of your discomfort and provide you with the necessary treatment to alleviate your symptoms and put you back on the path to optimal oral health.

An Astonishing Number of People Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity

It may come as a surprise, but close to 40 million adults in the United States experience some degree of dentin hypersensitivity. The age group most affected are those between 20 and 50 years old. The discomfort can range from a mild twinge to an intense jolt. Depending on what's causing it, sensitivity can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth. For many individuals, the pain is so significant that it impacts their daily routines. They may avoid cold foods and beverages altogether, use a straw each time they drink something, and even keep their lips tightly pursed when taking in cold air during winter.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

• Exposed dentin due to gum recession or periodontal disease
• Wearing away healthy tooth structure from habits such as aggressive brushing or teeth grinding
• Tooth erosion caused by a diet high in acidic foods and drinks
• Overuse of teeth whitening agents
• Health problems like dry mouth, acid reflux, and eating disorders can also contribute to irritated dentin and tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity

The first step in managing sensitive teeth is to have our dental team determine the source of your discomfort. A quick, sharp pain in a tooth can be a sign of various dental issues, such as cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, eroded tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, or temporary post-procedure side effects. Once our dentist identifies that you're dealing with dentin hypersensitivity, we'll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We offer a variety of treatments for sensitive teeth, including in-office procedures and products you can use at home. Of course, regular dental care and proper oral hygiene are essential for preventing gum recession and dentin hypersensitivity. Our practice will guide you on the best brushing and flossing techniques to protect your tooth structure.

We may also suggest incorporating a desensitizing toothpaste into your daily oral care routine. However, it's important to note that desensitizing toothpaste often requires multiple applications over time to effectively alleviate discomfort. If you find that the toothpaste isn't providing enough relief, alternative therapies are available, such as fluoride gel and other topical desensitizing agents. In severe cases, more advanced dental procedures may be necessary. These can include placing a filling or other dental restoration to cover sensitive dentin or performing a surgical gum graft to protect exposed tooth roots. In some instances, a root canal might be considered if dentin hypersensitivity persists despite other interventions.

Put Your Sensitive Teeth Worries to Rest

Tooth sensitivity doesn't have to cramp your style. Our dental practice is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can alleviate your sensitive teeth issues.