If you’ve ever felt a momentary toothache after drinking a hot beverage or eating ice cream, you may have dental sensitivity. This common problem produces a wide variety of unpleasant symptoms—such as tingling or stinging in the tooth area—that can get in the way of daily life. Fortunately, there are many ways you can address this problem with the help of your dentist. To help shed more light on this subject, here are a few important details to know about sensitive teeth and what you can do about them.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

When enamel—the outermost and hardest layer of the tooth—is weakened, dentin can become exposed. Dentin is an inner section of the tooth that contains sensitive nerves. When cold or hot substances, wind, citrus, or sugar comes in contact with dentin, these nerves can become irritated and contribute to short-term sensitivity.

Why Should You See a Dentist?

Tooth sensitivity isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but it’s still important to review your oral health with a dentist. Specifically, your provider can determine why your enamel has weakened. Apart from weak enamel, some cases of sensitivity are linked to nighttime teeth grinding, excessive teeth whitening practices, cavities, or gum disease. Your dental care provider can treat these underlying problems to help protect your enamel and relieve symptoms.

How Can You Reduce Sensitivity?

Typically, you should keep hot or cold substances—such as coffee and ice cream—from coming into direct contact with your teeth. It’s also smart to reduce your intake of sugary foods. You should also ask your dentist about ways you can change your oral hygiene routine to reduce sensitivity. For example, desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients that help reduce nerve activity to prevent sensations. You might also benefit from switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t aggravate enamel as much as harder options.

If sensitive teeth are getting in the way of your smile, Judy Walker, DDS, offers comprehensive services to help you find comfort in your oral health. Through in-depth examination, this Greensboro, NC, dentist will pinpoint the nature of your sensitivity and devise a custom treatment plan to minimize symptoms. Whether you need a root canal or teeth whitening, you can count on Dr. Walker to take a gentle approach so that sensitivity won’t overshadow your visit. To learn more about these preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services, call (336) 275-1472.