Tooth Sensitivity: A Painful Problem with a Solution

Are you one of the millions of people who dread eating ice cream or drinking hot tea because it causes sharp, shooting pain in your teeth? If so, you're not alone. In fact, about 40 million adults in the United States experience some degree of tooth sensitivity. The good news is that there are treatments available to help alleviate this discomfort and get you back on track with enjoying your favorite foods and beverages without pain.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can stem from a variety of causes. Some common reasons include:

• Exposed dentin due to gum recession and periodontal disease
• Wearing away healthy tooth structure through habits such as overaggressive brushing or teeth grinding
• Chemical erosion of teeth from a diet high in acidic foods or beverages
• Overuse of teeth whitening agents
• Health issues like dry mouth, acid reflux, and eating disorders can also contribute to tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity

The first step in dealing with tooth sensitivity is to have a dentist determine the cause of your discomfort. Painful sensations in teeth can be due to many different dental problems, such as cavities, cracked or broken teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, enamel erosion, exposed tooth roots, or temporary aftereffects from recent dental procedures.

Once our skilled dentist has diagnosed you with tooth sensitivity, we'll recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

• In-office services, such as applying fluoride gel or other topical desensitizing agents
• Products that can be used at home, like specialized desensitizing toothpaste. These products usually require multiple applications over time to effectively alleviate discomfort.

Of course, good oral hygiene and regular dental care are essential for preventing gum recession and the development of dentin hypersensitivity. Our dedicated staff at the office of Maple Dental will guide you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help prevent further damage to your teeth.

Don't let tooth sensitivity hold you back from enjoying your favorite foods and beverages! Contact the office of Maple Dental today for more information about how we can help alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the road to oral health.