Have you ever had a sudden, acute ache in your tooth while eating ice cream, sipping hot soup, or simply opening your mouth outside in the cold? What about pain or stinging while flossing or brushing your teeth? If you have had any of these issues before or experience them regularly, you likely suffer from dental sensitivity. Shiva Salehi, DDS, and the specialists at Madison Family Dental Group in Fair Oaks, California, can help you discover how you can address your tooth sensitivity. Do not let tooth sensitivity prevent you from savoring your favorite beverages and meals. Rather, get in touch with Fair Oaks tooth sensitivity specialist today, either online or by phone.
What Is the Meaning of Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also referred to as dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity, occurs whenever your tooth (or teeth) experiences discomfort or pain when in touch with:
- Cold or hot food and drink
- Sweet food or beverage
- Highly acidic drink or food
- Cold air
Tooth sensitivity is a relatively prevalent concern. It affects over half of the American population daily, though it might come and go over time.
What Factors Contribute to Tooth Sensitivity?
Most tooth sensitivity occurs whenever the dentin layer of your teeth sheds its protective layer, which is enamel on the crown and cementum on the root.
Dentin is made up of thousands of tiny tubules filled with nerve endings. If it is not protected by an outer layer, dentin nerves are subjected to cold and heat, sweet beverages and foods, as well as sticky and acidic substances. This exposure results in discomfort.
The following are some of the most prevalent causes of cementum or enamel layer loss:
- Periodontal disease and tooth decay
- Worn-down and leaking fillings
- Teeth grinding at night
- Fractured teeth
- Enamel wear from abrasive toothpaste or excessive brushing
- Tooth erosion from bulimia or GERD
- Tooth erosion from an acidic-rich diet
Another typical reason for tooth sensitivity is gum recession, which reveals your tooth root. Nearly 80% of adults have receding gums by 65 years.
Many patients also suffer transient tooth discomfort following dental treatments, including fillings, teeth whitening, and crown placement.
What Is the Best Way to Address Tooth Sensitivity?
Dr. Salehi’s approach to managing your tooth sensitivity is dependent on its cause. For instance, if she establishes that you have sensitive teeth because of tooth decay, a cavity, or another dental concern, she will address the inherent cause in order to alleviate your sensitivity.
If you have exposed tooth roots due to receding gums, she might recommend a gum transplant. At times, there is no direct correlation between a dental concern and tooth sensitivity. In such situations, Dr. Salehi can then administer a desensitizing therapy, such as an in-office fluoride gel treatment. She could also recommend or administer desensitizing toothpaste.
If you are worried about dental sensitivity, arrange an appointment at Madison Family Dental Group right away. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to get started right away.
