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If you are one of the over 3 million Americans who suffer from cold, heat, or sweet tooth sensitivity, the first thing you should do is talk to your dental professional to find a solution.  In the meantime, here is some helpful information.

Causes

When the enamel on your teeth is damaged, it can expose the very sensitive inner layer of your teeth. Once that layer is damaged, any kind of sweet foods, drinks, and hot and cold substances will cause that sharp pain. Unlike the crowns of your teeth being covered with enamel, the root of your teeth is covered with cementum.  Cementum is a specialized bony layer of connective tissue covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum. When the enamel or cementum wears away, the nerves within the tooth are exposed. This is what causes the sensitivity.

Common causes of erosion are:

  • You brush with too much gusto.
  • You use abrasive toothpaste.
  • You eat acidic foods.
  • You grind your teeth.
  • You use tooth-whitening toothpaste.
  • You have bulimia.
  • You have dry mouth.

Treatment

Your dentist may suggest that the filling of cavities may help.

If this is not the problem, the following may help with the pain:

  1. Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth.
  2. Fluoride
  3. Desensitizing or bonding
  4. Surgical gum graft
  5. Root canal

To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And don’t forget to floss daily. Use gentle strokes, rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing, and avoid using an abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. Tooth grinding can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity.

Contact us (859) 586-7900 for more information or to make an appointment!

About Torbeck Dental

Torbeck Dental treats every patient with dignity and excellent care. We are highly trained dental professionals with exceptionally friendly and helpful service. We understand that for many, visiting a dentist can be a stressful experience so our comfortable surroundings and compassionate staff will ease any fears you may have. We are here to help you achieve your happiest and healthiest smile! Our dental team are a group of experienced professionals using the latest treatments. Our team has the professional experience to realize that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all treatment, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach to your dental plan. We provide quality and personalized oral health care while keeping your individuality in mind. Our goal is to improve and maintain your oral health so you can smile with confidence!