What Sensitive Teeth Can Mean

If you have sensitive teeth, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. experience teeth that are considered “over-sensitive”. Fortunately, our Washington dentist can help ease your symptoms and uncover the underlying culprit.  

Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, possible causes, and treatment of sensitive teeth. 

Common Symptoms to Look Out For

The biggest symptom if you have sensitive teeth is radiating pain, much like a toothache. More specifically, the discomfort is at the roots of the affected teeth. 

Sensitivity becomes more obvious when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Cold air, brushing and flossing teeth, or using alcohol-based mouthwash can also result in discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to intense and appear when triggered.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Because having sensitive teeth is a commonly shared condition, several factors could be at play. Some individuals even experience tooth sensitivity naturally due to age. Our dentist will need to inspect your teeth and gums to determine what the exact cause is.

It’s possible you have sensitive teeth because of:

• Exposed tooth root
• Worn tooth enamel
• Fractured teeth
• Fillings that are worn or damaged
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay or cavities 
• Aggressive brushing
• Grinding or clenching of teeth at night
• Regular consumption of acidic foods or beverages

Best Treatment Options 

Fortunately, there are ways to treat sensitive teeth. The caveat, however, is that the treatment depends on what the cause of sensitivity is. Our dentist will first need to perform an oral examination to check your mouth. 

The findings from the exam will then influence the ultimate decision on treatment. If you have mild tooth sensitivity, our dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or a softer toothbrush. A fluoride gel applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel may also prove helpful. 

For more severe cases, treatment may include a:

• Gum graft for receding gums 
• Root canal procedure 
• Custom-made mouthguard to discourage grinding 

Underlying medical conditions contributing to sensitivity should also be treated separately to prevent further damage to enamel. 

Ways to Avoid Sensitive Teeth 

Assuming you are not predisposed to sensitive teeth, there are ways to prevent the condition altogether. You may have to make a lifestyle adjustment, such as watching the foods that you eat. Other tips are easy, like regularly practicing oral hygiene habits.

Tooth enamel serves as the hard, protective layer for your teeth. When this covering wears down, the layer beneath your enamel, dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is less dense and contains small, hollow tubules. Exposed tubules allow cold, hot, or acidic food and beverages to better reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes sensitivity. 

You can prevent tooth sensitivity by:    

• Not brushing too hard and using a soft toothbrush
• Avoiding acidic foods or drinks, i.e., soda, candy
• Seeking treatment for teeth clenching or grinding to protect enamel
• Asking our dentist about current or future teeth whitening treatment as it can result in sensitivity
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily
• Staying away from abrasive toothpaste 

Treat Your Tooth Sensitivity Today

Our dentist in Washington, MI, recommends that all patients experiencing tooth sensitivity seek treatment to uncover the real cause behind the discomfort. After all, ignoring the problem may only make it worse. Call Washington Family Dental at (586) 752-4545 today or feel free to contact us online.