Lots of people experience tooth and gum sensitivity, but according to Dr. Stephanie ML Wong DMD, there are several ways to reduce your overall oral sensitivity. Based in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Wong’s family dental practice is dedicated to preventative dentistry and promoting positive oral health habits.

According to dentists, there are multiple causes of tooth and gum sensitivity, and most people find that their sensitivity is triggered by hot or cold foods. If you suffer from temperature sensitivities, this guide to causes and treatments might have the answer you've been looking for:

• Worn Tooth Enamel & Gum Recession: When your gums are worn away, the root of your tooth is closer to the surface. This results in a higher level of sensitivity, and when your enamel is worn, you’ve lost another protective layer. Dr. Stephanie ML Wong DMD recommends avoiding acidic foods that may exacerbate enamel erosion and switching to a gentler toothpaste and brushing technique to minimize gum loss.
• Nighttime Grinding: If you grind your teeth in your sleep, you’re likely to develop tooth sensitivity over time. Luckily, nighttime tooth grinding is fairly simple to remediate by simply wearing a mouth guard at night. For help choosing the right mouth guard, ask your dentist for their expert recommendation.
• Cracked Tooth Crowns, Broken Tooth Fillings & Tooth Decay: When people develop very sudden tooth sensitivities, it’s often because something has changed. If you never had tooth sensitivity in the past and you suddenly develop an extreme aversion to hot or cold foods, it’s best to schedule a dentist appointment because you may have a cracked crown, a broken filling, or a new cavity that needs to be filled.

Don’t resign yourself to a lifetime of sensitive teeth and gums, call Dr. Stephanie ML Wong DMD at (808) 732-3072 to schedule a dental care appointment today, or visit the Honolulu dentist online for more information.