Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

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To schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison please call (310)553-2940.

How Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
Teeth become sensititive when the dentin, or underlying layer of your tooth, is exposed to the food and drinks you consume. Dentin becomes exposed when the gum around it has receded.

The part of the tooth that hurts is the root, which is not covered by hard enamel. The root contain thousands of tubules connected to the tooth's nerve center (or pulp).

When hot or cold foods come in contact with these tubules, they send pain signals to the nerve center, causing you to experience discomfort.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Cracked or Broken Teeth.
Chipped teeth are a haven for bacteria, which can eat away at gum tissue and expose the roots, leading to sensitive teeth.

Using Hard Brushes. Hard brushes can, over time, wear down your tooth enamel. For best results, brush gently, using proper teeth brushing techniques.

Gum Disease. Gingivitis is a major culprit for tooth sensitivity. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage, but it can cause the root to be exposed, resulting in sensations of pain or discomfort.

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth. Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Receding Gums. Gums that have receded remove the protective barrier around the root of the tooth, leading to more sensitive teeth.

Acidic foods. Tomatoes, coffee, chocolate and other highly acidic foods can aggravate sensitive teeth and lead to other damage over time.

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth
Maintaining good oral hygiene, flossing, and proper brushing techniques, all contribute to preventing sensitive teeth.

Desensitizing toothpaste, a healthy diet, and fluoridated dental products can also help.

But perhaps the best protection against sensitive teeth is having a good dentist. Regular dental cleanings and thorough examinations by a well-trained dentist can spot warning signs and help you prevent complications down the line.

If you have sensitive teeth, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.

If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.

Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.