Say Goodbye to Sensitive Teeth!

Are you tired of wincing every time you take a sip of hot tea or enjoy a scoop of ice cream? If so, it's time to contact the office of @My Gilroy Dentist for help. As experienced dental professionals, we can diagnose the cause of your tooth sensitivity and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.

Did you know that an estimated 40 million adults in the United States experience some degree of dentin hypersensitivity? Most commonly affecting individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, tooth sensitivity can range from a mild twinge to a sharp jolt. Depending on the underlying cause, it may affect just one tooth or several. For some people, the discomfort is so significant that it impacts their daily routines, causing them to avoid cold foods and drinks entirely, use a straw when drinking, and even keep their lips together when breathing in cold weather.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

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

Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity

The first step in addressing your tooth sensitivity is to have one of our skilled dentists determine the underlying cause. A quick, sharp pain when eating or drinking something cold can be a symptom of various dental problems, including cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, thinning enamel, exposed tooth roots, or temporary discomfort following a recent dental procedure.

Once our dentist diagnoses you with dentin hypersensitivity, we'll develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. There are several options available for alleviating tooth sensitivity, including both in-office procedures and at-home care products.

Of course, maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups are essential for preventing gum recession and the development of dentin hypersensitivity. Our team will guide you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help preserve your healthy tooth structure.

We may also recommend incorporating a specialized desensitizing toothpaste into your daily oral care routine. Desensitizing toothpaste often requires multiple applications over time to effectively reduce discomfort.

If desensitizing toothpaste proves insufficient, alternative therapeutic options are available, such as fluoride gel and other topical desensitizing agents. In more severe cases, advanced dental procedures may be necessary. These treatments may include placing a filling or other dental restoration to cover sensitive dentin, performing a surgical gum graft to cover exposed tooth roots, or even considering a root canal if the sensitivity persists despite other interventions.

Get Back to Enjoying Your Favorite Foods and Drinks!

There's no reason to let tooth sensitivity hold you back. We can help you regain control over your oral health and comfort. Contact the office of @My Gilroy Dentist today for more information about our services and how we can assist you in managing your sensitive teeth.