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Research shows, up to 25% of Americans have had or currently have problems with sensitive teeth. Other studies tell us that dental health professionals report a rise in gum recession, acid erosion, and tooth wear. These factors contribute to sore, achy, sensitive teeth, but they aren’t the only culprits. In this article, your Riverside Dental Associates of Moreno Valley dentists share tips on treating and deterring tooth sensitivity.

Causes of Dental Sensitivity

  • Aggressive brushing
  • Chips, cracks, cavities
  • Faulty dental work
  • Gum recession
  • Internal tooth infection
  • Over-whitening or bleaching
  • Acid erosion
  • Tooth wear (due to bruxism, grinding)

Treating Tooth Sensitivity

If your toothaches stem from decay, chips, fractures, bad dental work, or infection, you need restorative dentistry. The sooner you visit the dentist and undergo treatment, the sooner you’ll feel better. Postponing treatment will only allow the condition to worsen, potentially risking more intense pain and the need for more aggressive treatment.

Receding gums are a malady common to older people, those who brush their teeth too hard, gum disease patients, and smokers. When gum tissue recedes, teeth roots become exposed. Teeth roots have no enamel, so gum recession exposes sensitive dentin to pressure, temperature fluctuations, and anything you put in your mouth. Dentists treat gum recession with gum grafts.

Enamel can wear and thin because of brushing too hard, acid erosion, over-bleaching, or grinding and clenching teeth (bruxism). Some people’s tooth enamel is naturally thin. Tooth enamel protects the underlying dentin, and thin enamel provides less protection. Bonding, crowns, and veneers provide a man-made barrier for teeth when enamel is too thin to offer adequate protection.

Some people find that de-sensitizing toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, is a good temporary solution to rebuilding teeth and gum tissue. The active ingredient in sensitivity toothpastes numbs teeth nerves, so they feel less sensation. Brushing with Sensodyne regularly can greatly reduce tooth sensitivity.

Get to the Root of the Problem

If you aren’t sure why your teeth are sensitive, or if you experience an acute toothache, visit one of our dentists at Riverside Dental Associates of Moreno Valley. After a comprehensive exam and x-rays, we’ll diagnose your situation and provide practical options to give you relief. Call 951-697-6800 today to schedule your appointment.