Teeth Sensitivity: What Our Dentist Recommends
Ever taken a sip of ice-cold water and felt a sharp, eye-widening jolt in your teeth? Or maybe your morning coffee suddenly feels like it’s attacking your enamel instead of waking you up? If so, you’re not alone—tooth sensitivity is incredibly common.
At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX, Dr. Rita Kengskool helps patients figure out why their teeth are so sensitive and, more importantly, how to stop the zaps and zings.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the protective layers of your teeth wear down, exposing the nerve-filled dentin underneath. This can happen for several reasons:
Enamel Erosion: Acidic foods, frequent grinding, and even aggressive brushing can wear down enamel over time. Once enamel is compromised, temperature changes and certain foods can trigger discomfort.
Gum Recession: As gums recede, they expose the softer root surface, which lacks the same protection as enamel. This can lead to sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Tooth Decay or Cracks: Cavities and fractures create a direct pathway to the nerves inside your tooth, making it more vulnerable to irritation.
Whitening Treatments: Some people experience temporary sensitivity after whitening procedures.
Recent Dental Work: Fillings, crowns, or deep cleanings may leave teeth feeling extra sensitive for a short period.
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
If tooth sensitivity is interfering with your daily life, there are several ways to manage it:
Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: Specially formulated to block pain signals from reaching the nerves, helping to reduce discomfort over time.
Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums, so use gentle strokes with a soft brush.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar-based foods can erode enamel, making teeth more sensitive over time.
Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect against enamel wear and sensitivity.
Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride applications strengthen enamel, making teeth less reactive to temperature changes.
Gluma® Desensitizer: A quick, in-office treatment that seals microscopic openings in the tooth surface to provide immediate relief.
Dental Bonding: A thin protective layer applied over exposed roots to shield them from sensitivity triggers.
Gum Grafts: If gum recession has exposed the roots, a graft can restore tissue and protect the tooth.
Root Canal: Is your sensitivity persistent and unbearable? It may sound drastic, but removing the nerve through a root canal can eliminate pain entirely.
Expert Care At Serenity Dental Studio In Frisco, TX
At Serenity Dental Studio, Dr. Rita Kengskool helps patients find lasting relief from tooth sensitivity. Whether you need professional fluoride treatments, bonding, or lifestyle adjustments, we’ll create a plan that works for you. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy your favorite foods without the pain!