Tooth Sensitivity Specialist
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Madison Family Dental Group
General Dentists & Endodontists located in Fair Oaks, CA
Do you feel a sharp pain in your teeth every time you bite into something cold, hot, sweet, or acidic? If so, turn to Madison Family Dental Group, located in Fair Oaks, California, and led by Shiva Salehi, DDS, to learn how you can treat your tooth sensitivity. Don’t let tooth sensitivity hold you back from enjoying your favorite foods and drinks. Instead, contact Madison Family Dental Group online or over the phone today.
Tooth Sensitivity Q&A
What exactly is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also known as root sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity, is when your tooth (or teeth) feel pain or discomfort when they comes into contact with:
- Hot or cold food and drink
- Sweet food or drink
- Very acidic food or drink
- Cold air
Tooth sensitivity is very common. Around half the American population experiences it on a daily basis, although it can come and go over time.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Most often, tooth sensitivity happens when the dentin layer of your teeth loses its protective coating, which on the crown is enamel, and on the root is cementum.
The dentin contains countless microscopic tubules full of nerve endings. If the dentin isn’t surrounded by an outer layer, its nerves are exposed to heat and cold, sweet foods and beverages, and acidic and sticky substances. This can lead to pain.
Some of the most common reasons that you lose your enamel or cementum layers include:
- Tooth decay and periodontal disease
- Broken teeth
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Leaky and worn-down fillings
- Enamel wear from overzealous brushing or abrasive toothpaste
- Tooth erosion from a diet high in acidity
- Tooth erosion from GERD or bulimia
Another common cause of tooth sensitivity is gum recession, which exposes your tooth roots. Approximately 80% of adults develop receded gums by the age of 65.
Also, many people experience temporary tooth sensitivity after dental procedures, such as crown placement, fillings, and teeth whitening.
How do you treat tooth sensitivity?
Dr. Salehi’s strategy for treating your tooth sensitivity depends on its origin. For example, if she determines that you have sensitive teeth due to a cavity, tooth decay, or another oral issue, she treats the underlying cause in order to resolve your sensitivity.
If you have exposed tooth roots from receded gums, she may suggest a gum graft. Sometimes, there’s no direct link between an oral condition and your tooth sensitivity. In that case, Dr. Salehi can perform a desensitizing treatment like an in-office fluoride gel treatment. She may also prescribe or suggest a desensitizing toothpaste.
If tooth sensitivity has you cringing, contact Madison Family Dental Group for a consultation today. To reach the practice, call or use the online booking tool.
