Tooth Sensitivity
Get comfortable tooth sensitivity treatment from our team at Ivy Creek Dental Care.
Schedule with UsWhat Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. It occurs when the enamel that protects your teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, and reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. This can happen for many reasons, including:
- Excessive brushing
- Pressure
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Consumption of acidic foods and liquids
Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity
After your dentist determines the cause of your sensitivity, treatment may be as simple as fixing a cavity or replacing a worn filling. However, if your discomfort stems from gum loss exposing root surfaces, your dentist may suggest a gum graft that a periodontist would perform to protect the root surface and support the tooth.
If there isn't a specific cause for your sensitivity, your dentist may apply an in-office fluoride gel to strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce painful sensations. An over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste may be recommended as well.
Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many different things. Treatment options for tooth sensitivity can range from fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, sealants to protect teeth from decay that may cause sensitivity, and dental bonding to cover exposed or worn-down tooth surfaces. Your dentist may also recommend you use products designed for sensitive teeth, such as desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash or soft-bristle toothbrushes. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard or night guard for teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth and cause sensitivity.
If you experience tooth pain when eating something hot or cold, or if it hurts even to gently brush or floss your teeth, it's important to tell your dentist right away so they can identify the cause and begin treatment before the issue worsens.
It's important to treat tooth sensitivity as soon as you notice it, before it becomes a bigger problem. For example, if your tooth sensitivity is caused by grinding over time, it can lead to cracked or broken teeth, worn-down enamel that makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities, or even an increased risk of gum disease and gum recession.
Tooth sensitivity is often simpler to treat when it's addressed immediately after it begins. The longer you wait to bring the issue up with your dental care provider, the more likely it is to worsen and become a larger problem. Often, minor tooth sensitivity can be fixed by switching to sensitive-teeth dental products, wearing a mouth guard or night guard, getting fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth, or undergoing laser desensitization treatment to help reduce sensitivity.