Do you often experience sharp pain when you bite into something hot, cold, acidic, or sweet? This is a symptom of tooth sensitivity. But you don’t have to worry about it. At Madison Family Dental Group, situated in Fair Oaks, California, the team under the leadership of Shiva Salehi, DDS has effective treatment for your tooth sensitivity. Don’t allow tooth sensitivity to inhibit you from enjoying your favorite drinks and foods. Call or book an appointment online today to get started with the treatment.

 What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Also referred to as dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity, tooth sensitivity is a condition that occurs when your teeth or tooth feels discomfort or pain when they get into contact with; cold air, cold or hot food and drink, acidic food or drink, or sweet food or drink. Tooth sensitivity is a common condition, with about half of the American population experiencing tooth sensitivity daily. This condition can, however, come and go over time.

Why Do You Experience Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is most caused by the loss of the dentin layer of your teeth’ protective coating. The protective coating on your teeth’s crown is the enamel, while the one on the root is the cementum. The dentin consists of lots of microscopic tubules that are full of nerve endings. When the protective coating of the dentin is lost, the nerves become exposed to cold and heat, acidic foods, sweet foods and drinks, and sticky substances, which cause sensitivity and pain.

What Are the Common Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity?

Some of the common reasons for losing your cementum or enamel layers include;

·         Broken teeth

·         Tooth decay and periodontal disease

·         Tooth erosion from high acidity diet

·         Worn-down and leaky fillings

·         Teeth grinding at night

·         Tooth erosion as a result of bulimia or GERD

·         Wearing of the enamel because of abrasive toothpaste or overzealous brushing

Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by gum recession that exposes the roots of your tooth. About eighty percent of adults have receding gums by sixty-five years. Many people also experience temporal tooth sensitivity after undertaking dental procedures, including; fillings, crown placement, and teeth whitening.

What Are the Available Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity?

The best treatment for your tooth sensitivity will depend on the underlying cause. Dr. Salehi starts by determining whether your tooth sensitivity results from tooth decay, cavity, or any other dental problem and then treats the primary cause to resolve the sensitivity.

If your tooth roots are exposed due to receding gums, the doctor may recommend a gum graft to treat the receding gums. There is no direct relationship between your tooth sensitivity condition and your oral or dental condition in other cases. In this case, the doctor may opt for desensitizing treatments such as fluoride gel treatment or recommend a desensitizing toothpaste.

In conclusion, don’t allow tooth sensitivity to prevent you from enjoying your favorite drinks and foods. If tooth sensitivity has you wincing and uncomfortable, the Madison Family Dental Group team is dedicated to relieving your condition with an individualized treatment plan. Call or schedule an appointment online to get started today!