Sensitive Teeth

 Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. This periodic feeling affects people when they eat, drink or touch their teeth. Fortunately, dentistry can offer several simple and effective treatments for this uncomfortable condition.
Tooth sensitivity is caused by the gradual exposure of the tooth dentin. Dentin is the softer part and second layer of your tooth that lies under the tooth enamel. Dentin contain nerve endings that can react in response to hot, cold, or sweet triggering a twinge of discomfort or sharp pain.
Some of the causes of sensitive teeth include receding gums, cavities, cracked restorations, cracked teeth, grinding, gum disease and even brushing too hard. Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede exposing the tooth’s dentin.  Poorly positioned teeth can cause undue forces on teeth causing recession. Brushing too vigorously or with a hard bristled tooth brush can injure gums causing recession. Also, grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down teeth exposing the dentin to sensitivity. When dentin loses its protective covering due to cavities, broken fillings and crowns, or cracked teeth, the canals within the dentin are exposed to hot, cold, sticky or acidic foods. This stimulates the nerves inside the tooth and cause hypersensitivity or discomfort.
Sensitive teeth can be treated. The first thing we need to do is rule out other possible dental problems. It’s important to treat cavities, cracked restorations or cracked teeth as soon as possible if that is the main cause of sensitivity.  Depending on the cause, a desensitizing paste, gel or varnish may be recommended which contain compounds that block sensation travelling from the tooth surface to the nerve. Proper oral hygiene and routine check ups from your Dentist are keys to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. If gum has been lost, a gum graft may be necessary to reduce discomfort. Braces are an option to correct the position on teeth so that proper forces are placed on them. A night guard may also be recommended for grinders and clenchers to prevent continued wear of their natural teeth.
If you have sensitive teeth, please give our office a call to discuss your options and put an end to this annoying problem.
For more information, to schedule an appointment and meet Dr. May and her staff, please call the office at 661-505-2926 or visit our website www.maycontedds.com. We are located at 25385 Wayne Mills Place in Valencia.