• 14 MAY 20
    • 0

    What Causes Sensitive Teeth and How Can I Treat Them?

    If breathing in cold air or eating and drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods makes your teeth feel painful, then you likely have sensitive teeth. Similarly, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, approximately 40 million adults in the United States experience tooth sensitivity. Certainly, you are not alone if you are suffering with this malady.

    Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. However, sometimes, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors. For instance, a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS can take the guesswork out of why your teeth are sensitive, and determine the proper way to treat them.

    Factors that Contribute to Sensitive Teeth

    When you have sensitive teeth, even brushing your teeth can cause sharp, temporary pain.  Therefore, an accurate diagnosis begins with an examination by Dr. Evanson. She will find out what the underlying dental problems are that are causing the sensitivity. And, properly treat it.

    Acidic Diet

    Frequently eating sour food and drinks could be stripping away your tooth enamel. Moreover, tooth enamel is made up of minerals such as calcium which effects the strength of your teeth. Above all, watch your intake of highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickled products, and acidic beverages including orange and cranberry juice, coffee, sports drinks, wine, and carbonated sodas.

    Sugary Diet

    Loading up on sugary treats can promote bacteria growth and plaque. The acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can break down tooth structure. Monitor your intake of sweets to protect your teeth, which can cause tooth decay; a common cause of tooth pain.

    Aggressive Brushing

    Brushing too hard may wear down your enamel and the calcified substance covering the root of a tooth. Over-brushing your teeth can damage your enamel. It can also lead to gum recession which exposes the softer parts of your tooth and can lead to pain and sensitivity. If you are experiencing gum recession, see Dr. Evanson right away to make sure you don’t have something more serious going on.

    Receding Gums

    If your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth, that indicates that your gums are receding. This exposes dentin channels which lead to the sensitive nerve branches inside of your teeth. Receding gum lines do not solely occur as a result of brushing too hard. There may be underlying causes of your tooth pain, such as gum disease.

    Remedies for Treating Sensitive Teeth

    • Over-the counter desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth.
    • Fluoride treatment to the sensitive areas of your teeth may be applied by Dr. Evanson to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
    • Exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.
    • If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be surgically attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
    • If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Evanson might recommend a root canal to eliminate your tooth sensitivity.
    • Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash every day, will strengthen your teeth and help to prevent tooth sensitivity.

    If you are suffering from painful tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson. Please contact us online, or call (720) 409-0008. Her office, located at 17167 E. Cedar Gulch Parkway #202 in Parker, Colorado, is also convenient for patients in the neighboring communities of Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Castle Rock and Lone Tree.  

    Before you know it, you can once again enjoy eating a variety of foods without pain!

    Leave a reply →