Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
There are many specialized toothbrushes and types of mouthwash and toothpaste available to Hillsboro residents who suffer from sensitive teeth. It is a very common problem that lots of products claim they can solve, but have you ever wondered why it exists? Today, the team at Cowan Family Dentistry would like to explain what causes tooth sensitivity and how these products work.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Do you find yourself ordering beverages without ice, drinking room temperature water, and waiting a long time for your coffee or tea to cool down? If you do, it’s probably because you have sensitive teeth. Enamel, which covers the crown of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body; tooth roots have a similar substance called cementum. However, beneath those layers is a softer, more porous layer called dentin. When dentin is exposed, the nerves in your teeth become much more sensitive to hot and cold and sticky or acidic foods and beverages.
Common causes of sensitive teeth are:
- Tooth decay
- Degraded tooth fillings
- A cracked tooth
- Degraded tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth roots, which can be caused by brushing too hard, recession of the gum line, and gum disease
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Most Hillsboro folks with sensitive teeth use Sensodyne© or some other type of toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity. These products work by blocking sensation before it travels to the nerve. If toothpaste doesn’t help, Dr. Cowan offers in-office fluoride and desensitizing treatments that will help you get relief from pain. In cases of severe sensitivity, Dr. Cowan may recommend surgical gum graft or a root canal.
Whatever the cause of your sensitive teeth, we can help! Call Cowan Family Dentistry today to find out what we can do to keep your smile beautiful, healthy, and pain-free.
