Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Updated: Feb 15, 2022
Are you feeling unexpected pain or discomfort when consuming hot or cold food and drinks, or even when you breathe through your mouth?
If so, you’re experiencing common symptoms of sensitive teeth.
Now, you might be wondering:
“Why are my teeth sensitive?”
Teeth sensitivity often occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth becomes exposed due to receding gum tissue.
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
A range of factors can lead to tooth sensitivity.
But the two main underlying reasons:
Enamel loss
If you’re bothered by sensitivity to hot or cold, it’s important to speak with a dentist.
A thorough dental examination can help your doctor determine the underlying cause and formulate a treatment to eliminate pain.
Below are common causes of tooth sensitivity:
Brushing too vigorously or too often
Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, sugary sports drinks, and sodas
Tooth-whitening toothpaste: it can give you a brighter smile, but you may be sensitive to chemicals in these whitening agents
Teeth grinding or clenching
Tooth decay and plaque buildup
Gum disease
CARE AND TREATMENT FOR TEETH SENSITIVITY:
It can be difficult to understand why tooth sensitivity occurs – and how to soothe it.
However:
Our team of professionals at Bel Drive Dental can help identify and offer solutions to eliminate pain for optimal comfort.
Oftentimes, the uncomfortable feeling of sensitive teeth is most likely caused by enamel loss and gum recession.
The good news?
Sensitive teeth can be treated, depending on the cause of sensitivity.
Our team may recommend professional treatments or at-home options.
Professional treatment options include:
Applying a fluoride varnish to exposed areas to strengthen your enamel
Using a bonding agent and plastic sealant coatings to act as a protective barrier
Gum grafting to replace receded gum tissue
Root canal procedures
There are also various options you can do at home:
Use Sensodyne toothpaste: Sensodyne is specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity and is the number one dentist-recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth
Chew sugarless gum… This text opens a new tab to the American Dental Association website… to help increase saliva production, which strengthens your tooth enamel
Maintain good oral hygiene
Alter brushing habits by using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Dietary adjustments
Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of sensitivity, which is why we recommend visiting a doctor on our team for proper diagnosis.
FIGHT TEETH SENSITIVITY WITH DENTAL EXPERTS
If you’re still experiencing teeth sensitivity after following the at-home care tips, make your appointment to see us today for professional treatment!
Our compassionate dentists at Bel Drive Dental use modern equipment and techniques to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
In-office treatments may include:
Fluoride gel to strengthen the tooth and reduce pain
Fillings, crowns, and bonding for exposed tooth surfaces
Periodontal (gum) therapy
What are you waiting for? Call, text, or schedule your appointment online!
Bel Drive Dental is located in Omaha, Nebraska. We happily welcome patients from all over. Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional dental experience from start to finish