People often don’t realize they have sensitive teeth until they bite into something especially cold, sweet, or acidic. Unfortunately, once the surface of dental enamel has been compromised, sensitivity can make it hard to do everything from eating healthy to sleep. Here is a little more information about what causes dental sensitivity, and how your dentist can help. 

What Causes Dental Sensitivity?

Each of your natural teeth has an inner pulp chamber that is filled with nerves and blood vessels. These nerves run up and down the roots of your teeth, where they connect with the rest of your nervous system. Teeth contain nerves to trigger warnings about the health of the teeth. For instance, healthy teeth hurt when the tooth becomes damaged or infected, giving people a good reason to seek help. 

Teeth can become sensitive anytime the surface of the protective dental enamel is compromised, such as when the tooth sustains a chip or when the enamel is worn down from aggressive brushing. Teeth can also become sensitive when the enamel is worn down due to bacterial acids, since cavities make it easy for hot and cold liquids to move closer to the sensitive portions of the tooth. 

How Can Your Dentist Help? 

Fortunately, dentists can help to quell sensitivity by restoring damaged teeth. If you have a cavity or a chipped tooth, dentists can rebuild the area to cover the sensitive pulp and dentin. In cases where the tooth has become badly infected, a root canal may even be required to remove pulp and eliminate sensitivity. If you have dental sensitivity because of a recent problem with aggressive brushing, simply changing your brushing method and using a sensitivity toothpaste can calm your dental nerves. 

If you have been struggling with dental sensitivity, turn to the team at Four Corners Dental Group. With two convenient locations in Alaska, you can find help for every member of your family. As experienced providers of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, these dentists make improving your smile easy and convenient. Explore available treatments by visiting their website, or learn more by calling (907) 258-3384 for Anchorage or (907) 376-2790 to reach their Wasilla office.