If you dread drinking that tempting glass of ice tea, or if your morning coffee makes you wince, you are suffering from tooth sensitivity.
You, however, don’t need to deal with the gnawing sensitivity anymore. At Lakewood Smiles, we offer thorough consultation, and a broad range of treatments so that you can recuperate your oral health quickly and effectively. Make sure you mention any sensitive teeth to Dr. Nancy William so that she can make sure nothing serious is happening in the tooth.
There are many reasons why teeth could be sensitive:
1. Pressure due to teeth grinding/clenching
The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. Even that can be worn down by constant teeth grinding which can be often linked with sleep disorders such a sleep apnea.
Grinding gradually exposes the the middle layer of the tooth aka the dentin. This layer is packed with tubes that lead to your nerves which on exposure causes that uneasy sensitivity in the teeth. Dr. William recommends a custom-fit mouth guard that fit into your bite, to keep teeth from grinding and hence develop sensitive teeth.
2. Thinning of enamel due to over-brushing or erosion
Using a hard bristled brush or brushing with too much gusto can deteriorate the enamel of your teeth over time. This can expose the sensitive dentin areas. Tooth sensitivity or tooth pain can result when this area comes in contact with sticky or acidic foods or is exposed to extreme temperatures. Gentle but effective dental care is important to maintain your oral health. It is always a good idea, even if you don’t suffer from tooth sensitivity, to utilise soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentler motion when brushing your teeth.
3. Pressure on teeth from grinding/clenching
Although tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, grinding your teeth can deteriorate the enamel. Talk to your family dentist about finding a mouth guard that can keep you from grinding.
4. Using Teeth whitening treatment
Tooth whitening chemicals present in commercial toothpastes can be quite sensitizing to some people. Try switching to a toothpaste with no such additives, At Lakewood Smiles Dentistry, we offer safe and effective teeth whitening with Opalescence, a proven teeth whitening system preferred by patients from around the country. It will help you revive your smile without the concerns of getting tooth sensitivity.
4. Gum disease.
Receding gum, gingivitis and other gum related problems can cause tooth sensitivity. Dr. Abraam Girgis at Lakewood Smiles Dentistry recommends healing the underlying disease and sealing the teeth to experience more holistic relief from the problem.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing removes the plaque that forms after you eat. Practicing poor dental care and hygiene can cause the plaque to build up on the enamel and cause it to slowly wear away resulting into oral health problems such as cavity. Practice good oral hygiene and visit your family dentist periodically for a thorough teeth cleaning every six months or so.
6. Dental treatment (deep fillings, crown placement, teeth cleanings)
It’s common to experience some sensitivity after dental treatments such as deep fillings, crown placement, teeth cleanings, root canal, cavity treatment, etc. If symptoms persist, it could be a sign of infection, making a visit to your family dentist, mandatory.
7. Cracked Tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth can cause more than just tooth sensitivity. It can lead to tooth pain and must be immediately evaluated by a qualified dentist. The right course of treatment, whether a cap or an extraction, will be prescribed after thorough evaluation.
8. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can often develop around the edge of fillings. With time, fillings can get fractured or start leaking around the edges creating crevices where bacteria can easily build up and thrive. This can eventually lead to acid buildup and breakdown of tooth enamel. Dr. Girgis insists on being vigilant if you have fillings done. If you notice this kind of sensitivity, be sure to report to your dentist immediately. At Lakewood smiles, fillings can easily be replaced in order to prevent any on-going issues with tooth sensitivity.
If your tooth sensitivity is interfering with your everyday life, it is time to meet your dentist for a thorough evaluation. A visit to Lakewood Smiles can help you quickly determine the root cause of your tooth sensitivity and find the right solution for your woes.
Call us at (562) 866-0406 to schedule your appointment today!