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If you notice a sharp pain while drinking hot or cold foods and beverages, you likely have tooth sensitivity. While letting your meal reach room temperature may alleviate the sensation, it won’t cure the condition. An oral care professional can provide effective treatment once they know how the sensitivity started. Here are a few common causes of sensitivity, so you can begin determining which solution will work best for you.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

1. Infection

Gum infections cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth’s roots. Without the gum’s protection, the roots are sensitive to extreme temperatures, like hot or cold beverages. Cracked teeth leave an opening for bacteria to accumulate near the dentin, and it’ll cause an infection if ignored.

Cavities damage and inflame a tooth’s pulp, exposing the sensitive inner tubules that are attached to the nerves. These tubules will transfer amplified hot and cold sensations to the nerves, causing pain.

2. Loss of Enamel

oral careYour teeth are partially composed of dentin, a sensitive tissue that contains a tooth’s pulp, root, and blood. It’s protected from decay by a mineral layer, the enamel. Although this mineral is extremely durable, it can erode from frequent contact with acidic foods, drinks, and mouthwashes. Brushing too forcefully or with hard bristles can also wear the enamel, so always use soft bristles and gentle strokes.

3. Dental Work

Getting a tooth filling may make your tooth sensitive when you bite down, as the remaining dentin and tubules are adjusting to the new filling. This pain should subside in a few weeks or months. Teeth whitening procedures address deep-set stains beneath the enamel, so strong treatments may remove some of the mineral layer. To protect their patients, many oral care professionals use a desensitizing gel to minimize discomfort.

 

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, contact the team at Genrich Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. These dentists have helped their patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for over 30 years. They offer a variety of oral care treatments, including laser-assisted cleanings that remove hard-to-reach bacteria between the teeth and gums. To get more information about their services, visit the website or call (402) 466-2211.

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