Learn About Dental Sensitivity Causes And Treatments From Our Glendale Dentists

Written by Dr. McKay on Jan 14, 2020

If you are one of the many people who deals with sensitive teeth and gums, then you already know how uncomfortable, and inconvenient, this dental issue can be. What you may not know, however, is what you can do about it. That is why our Glendale dentists are here!

Dental sensitivity, generally speaking, occurs when nerves are too exposed and vulnerable. Dental enamel and gum tissue are designed to protect sensitive nerves from irritants. When these protective layers begin to fail, the patient experiences discomfort as a result.

Dental enamel and gum tissue can weaken for many of the same reasons…

  • Untreated tooth or gum infections cause oral tissues to break down
  • Tooth-on-tooth contact, due to bruxism (chronic dental grinding) causes enamel to thin and to develop small cracks and chips
  • Chewing on hard candies and ice can likewise weaken enamel
  • Brushing too aggressively, or with overly abrasive formulas damages oral tissues
  • Regularly coating your smile in acidic foods and beverages leads to enamel demineralization
  • Chronic dry mouth prevents your enamel from remineralizing effectively

As is true with most oral health issues, the sooner that you are able to course-correct, the better your long-term dental prognosis becomes. That is why it is so important that you seek prompt treatment for oral infections, as well as conditions like bruxism. Talk to your dental team about what type of toothbrush and what types of oral hygiene products are appropriate for your smile.

If your enamel is already too thin to adequately protect the inner tooth layers, our team may recommend that you undergo restorative treatment to reinforce it. Both composite resin bonding and porcelain restorations fortify your teeth, while delivering an attractive and natural looking result.

Our Glendale dentists are here to give you additional information and support about any number of oral health issues, including sensitivity. Contact our team to schedule a personal consultation!