How Can You Deal With Sensitive Teeth? Our Glendale Dentists Explain

Written by Dr. McKay on Nov 24, 2020

As your smile ages, and your teeth change, you may notice that your smile is becoming more sensitive. If discomfort or sensitivity is chronic, or if it is keeping you from fully engaging with your daily life, then it is time to speak to your dentist about treatment options and ameliorative measures. Our Glendale dentists have put together this short overview of how and why dental sensitivity develops…

What causes dental sensitivity?

There are many discrete issues that lead to dental discomfort, but, generally speaking, your smile will start to feel more sensitive when your dental nerves are too exposed to the outside of world. This can happen because:

  • Your enamel has become thinner—this often occurs when your teeth regularly exposed to acidic foods and drinks
  • You are suffering from bruxism—chronic dental grinding wears down your enamel, and puts an immense amount of pressure on your teeth
  • Your gum tissue is pulling away from your teeth, leaving nerves exposed to irritants—gum tissue deterioration is indicative of periodontal disease
  • Part of your tooth is infected or cracked/chipped

What can I do about discomfort?

You may find it helpful to replace your existing oral hygiene problems with those that are specially formulated to suit sensitive smiles. Some of these formulations also contain ameliorative ingredients that sooth nerves.

Long-term, you want to help oral tissues heal, and restore any diminished teeth and gums. Restorative gum grafts, for example, can be used to repair lost gum tissue. Likewise, composite resin bonding and porcelain restorations can cover weak enamel and replace lost portions of your teeth.

The first step in successfully treating dental sensitivity is to complete a thorough oral health assessment. Our Glendale dentists use this time to pinpoint the underlying cause of your discomfort. Give our team a call to get more information and to schedule a consultation!