Tooth sensitivity

8th April 2015

Tooth sensitivity

Having sensitive teeth can really take the fun out of enjoying your favorite foods. With tooth sensitivity, hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks can cause a great deal of discomfort, even after you’ve stopped eating or drinking. In general, the problem rests in the tooth enamel, that hard outer layer of the tooth that houses and protects the interior dentin and pulp layers. When wear, erosion, and other damage compromise the enamel, the porous dentin layer becomes exposed and causes sensitivity. Your dentist can discusses some of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity and offers some solutions to help you get relief.

Dental decay and leaking fillings

Tooth sensitivity on a particular side or tooth can be a very early sign of tooth decay or a leaking filling. It usually presents as a sharp pain that gets worse and needs immediate attention. This should promote to to see your dentist as soon as possible you can diagnose and treat this very quickly saving you more dental work, pain and more costly treatments.

Tooth wear

Many people unconsciously grind their teeth at night. Also known as bruxism, this disorder leads to characteristic patterns of enamel wear and often extreme tooth sensitivity. Caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, fear, allergies, and TMJ disorder, most people do not know they have a teeth grinding problem because it occurs at night. At a regular checkup, your dentist will be able to identify the signs of teeth grinding and can recommend several treatment options such as a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep, using dental bonding or ceramic restorations to rebuild the lost enamel, and lifestyle changes.