Do your teeth hurt when exposed to certain stimuli like cold air, alcohol-based mouth rinses, or hot or cold foods and drinks? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. This common dental condition can even make brushing and flossing painful, but the discomfort can be alleviated by changing your diet and regularly visiting the dentist. Below, learn more about tooth sensitivity and how to treat the symptoms. 

Causes of Teeth Sensitivity 

Often, teeth become sensitive due to thin enamel. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of a tooth that protects it from pain and damage. Some people naturally have thin enamel. In other cases, enamel wears down due to teeth grinding at night, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or consuming too many acidic foods and drinks such as candy, soda, citrus fruits, and fruit juices. Dental problems like tooth decay, worn-down fillings or crowns, and broken or chipped teeth can also wear down enamel. 

Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by gum recession. This is most common in people over 40, and this condition can expose the tooth roots. Since roots don’t have enamel, they’re more vulnerable to pain.

You may also experience sensitive teeth due to a non-dental problem. For example, acids from vomit can wear down enamel. That’s why people with gastroparesis, bulimia, and other stomach conditions that cause regular vomiting and high acid content may experience tooth sensitivity. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) may also wear down the enamel, as it can cause acid to rise from the stomach and esophagus. 

Treatment Options

There are a wide variety of treatment options that exist for sensitive teeth, including: 

• Over-the-counter products: If your sensitivity is mild, your dentist may recommend switching to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and an alcohol-free mouth rinse. They may also suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing more gently. 
• Prescription products: If the above products don’t work, your dentist may prescribe a prescription toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity. 
• Fluoride gel: Your dentist can apply a fluoride gel or desensitizing agent to your teeth to strengthen your enamel. 
• Filling cracks: If your tooth has a small crack that’s causing sensitivity, your dentist can fill it with resin or ceramic materials.
• Mouthguard: If your teeth are sensitive due to teeth grinding, your dentist may give you a mouthguard to wear at night. You can also lessen the chance of teeth grinding by avoiding caffeine before bed and partaking in stress-reducing activities. 
• Gum graft: If your sensitivity is caused by severe gum recession, your dentist can treat the recession with a type of surgery called a gum graft. The dentist will take tissue from your palate and graft it onto the exposed areas.

If you are dealing with sensitive teeth, turn to Katz Family Dentistry in Webster, NY. Dr. Jeffrey R. Katz and his caring team will get to the bottom of your tooth sensitivity and help you find the ideal treatment. These dentists can also provide restorative, cosmetic, and general services. Learn more about the practice online, and call (402) 466-2211 to schedule an appointment.