At Trade Winds Dental, we have patients coming in asking us why a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee becomes a painful experience, or why brushing or flossing makes them wince or cringe. The answer, usually, is sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity occurs when exposure in the oral cavity exposes the tooth’s underlying dentin layer. Most people experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives.
So, why do people experience sensitivity and how do you know if tooth sensitivity is something to be worried about? The most common cause of the sensitivity is exposure of the dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve. Contributors to tooth sensitivity include teeth whitening and dental work such as fillings, periodontal treatment, and the placement or adjustment of braces. These are temporary and should be of no concern.
Permanent hypersensitivity, however, may require treatment at Trade Winds Dental. The first step is to determine the cause, and that begins with a visit to our Georgetown, TX office.
The Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity Include:
- Tooth decay (cavities) near the gum line
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum (periodontal) disease, or recession of the gums
- Worn tooth enamel
- Brushing too hard
- Consuming acidic foods
Dr. David Hennington and our team at Trade Winds Dental want you to know that sensitive teeth can be treated, and the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Dr. David Hennington may suggest one the following treatments:
- Desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity
- Fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth
- A crown, inlay, or bonding, to treat tooth decay and prevents sensitivity
- A surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this procedure protects the root and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal: If you are experiencing severe and persistent sensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, Dr. David Hennington may recommend you undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call today so that Dr. David Hennington can provide you with some much-needed relief!