Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Solutions
Tooth sensitivity can keep you from enjoying many of your favorite foods, interfere with your oral hygiene routines, and impact your quality of life. Our experienced team at Highlight Family Dentistry understands your discomfort and is here to offer lasting solutions. We look forward to restoring your comfortable, pain-free smile.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
When you have sensitive teeth, hot, cold, or sweet foods or even tooth brushing can lead to sudden, intense pain. The discomfort may be immediate but usually subsides soon after removing the trigger. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when tooth enamel wear exposes the underlying layer known as the dentin or when the tooth roots are exposed.
The following is a look at some of the factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity:
- Aggressive Teeth Brushing: Brushing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the tooth enamel and cause gum recession, leaving the tooth roots exposed.
- Cavities: Tooth decay and cavities can expose the soft dentin layer, leading to tooth sensitivity.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can cause gum recession, increasing your risk of tooth sensitivity.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep can lead to tooth enamel wear, exposing the underlying dentin layer of your teeth.
- Teeth Whitening Products: Many at-home teeth whitening products contain harsh chemicals that can lead to tooth sensitivity, which is why it’s always best to opt for professional teeth whitening treatments.
- Acidic Foods: Regular consumption of food and drinks high in acids wears away the enamel layer protecting your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: A crack in your tooth or filling can expose the tooth’s inner structures, leading to inflammation, infection, and tooth sensitivity.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic issues such as enamel hypoplasia can weaken the tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity.
- GERD: Medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can expose your teeth to stomach acids, leading to tooth enamel damage and sensitivity.
What Are Your Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity?
In some cases, tooth sensitivity subsides on its own. However, if the discomfort continues, contact Highlight Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team will check for tooth decay, gum recession, worn teeth, loose fillings, damaged dental work, or other oral health concerns. Identifying the source of your discomfort will ensure prompt treatment and lasting relief. If underlying health conditions like GERD are the cause of your tooth sensitivity, we may refer you to your primary care physician for evaluation.
The following are some of the treatment options we offer for tooth sensitivity:
- Treating Tooth Damage: If tooth chips, cracks, or cavities are causing your sensitivity, we may recommend restorations like dental fillings or crowns to restore your pain-free smile.
- Replacing Damaged Dental Work: If a damaged filling or crown is causing tooth sensitivity, we may recommend replacing it with a new restoration.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: The ingredients in this type of toothpaste can help improve tooth sensitivity with regular use.
- Fluoride Treatment: Topical fluoride treatments help strengthen your tooth enamel, relieving your tooth sensitivity.
- Dental Bonding: If you have gum recession, we may recommend dental bonding, which involves placing a tooth-colored composite resin material on your exposed tooth roots to alleviate your discomfort.
- Root Canal Therapy: If your tooth sensitivity continues, root canal therapy offers an excellent solution to eliminate your discomfort.
Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity in Hutto, TX
If you are dealing with tooth sensitivity, our team at Highlight Family Dentistry is here to help. We will work tirelessly to uncover the source of your discomfort to provide you with lasting relief. We invite you to call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule an appointment or book one online today!