Sensitive Teeth

1. Sensitive Teeth If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity when you drink or eat certain foods or beverages, you’re not alone. Approximately 40 million adults in the USA have sensitive teeth. What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is experienced when enamel is worn down, teeth are chipped or fractured, or the gums have receded. Eating cold foods such as ice cream or soft drinks can cause pain when they meet the nerves inside your teeth. Factors that can cause erosion of the enamel, including citrus fruits, brushing too hard and acid reflux create exposed areas of the nerves, hence the pain. How to Stop the Tooth Pain First, make an appointment with us. When you come in for an evaluation, we’ll check your teeth and determine what is causing your tooth pain. You may only need a protective coating applied to the sensitive areas, which will strengthen the enamel and cover any exposed roots. If you grind your teeth (bruxism), which can cause sensitivity and fracture teeth, a mouth guard could be the solution. If the tooth pain is caused by a cavity, you might need a root canal. We may recommend other solutions: 1.Use a desensitizing toothpaste. 2.Stop using tooth whitening toothpaste. 3.Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid harsh scrubbing of your teeth. 4.Limit acidic foods such as citrus fruits and use a straw when you drink citrus fruit juices to limit contact with your teeth. If you have not been to our office before, we’d love to meet you and help you with your dental problems. We are in Chandler right across the street from Gilbert, so we’re convenient to both areas.