A Columbus Dentist Explains What Causes Sensitive Teeth

A Columbus dentist should be the first person you talk to when you are dealing with sensitive teeth. It can be such a downer; it takes the fun out of enjoying your favorite coffee or eating ice cream. It does not even stop there, as sensitive teeth can also lead to very painful toothaches.

Why you have sensitive teeth according to a Columbus dentist

1. Worn down enamel

Teeth are protected by an outer layer called the enamel, and it is the strongest thing in a person's body. Enamel protects the dentin, which contains tiny nerve endings. When the enamel of a tooth comes off, everything in the person's mouth makes contact with the dentin. The main reason why teeth enamel becomes worn out is tooth decay. Acids made by oral bacteria break down the enamel and dentin. This type of enamel erosion can be treated by applying a dental sealant or installing a crown.

2. Cavities

Cavities begin to form on a person's teeth once the enamel has been eroded. These cavities will continue to expand until they are treated. A cavity can open up the pulp chamber, leaving the soft tissue and nerves inside exposed to the irritants in the mouth like saliva and bacteria. All these things lead to increased sensitivity and toothaches. A dentist can address cavities with fillings, onlays/inlays, dental bonding and crowns. Small cavities can be reversed with a fluoride treatment, while severe ones might require an extraction.

3. Receding gums

Receding gums can also lead to sensitive teeth. The condition leads to a person's gums receding from teeth roots. It leaves the cementum exposed to acids, and decay can form quickly. Receding gums can be caused by gum disease and bad habits like brushing too hard or smoking tobacco products. Gum recession is treated by addressing the underlying cause. At times, gum grafts might be required to eliminate the sensitivity and restore the appearance of the person's teeth.

4. A cracked tooth

When a tooth is cracked, the inner layers like the dentin and pulp chamber might be exposed. When this occurs, the person experiences sensitivity and toothaches whenever something makes contact with the affected tooth. The person will also experience pain when they bite down with the tooth. A cracked tooth can be fixed with bonding or a root canal depending on the severity.

5. Whitening treatments

Whitening treatments can lead to sensitive teeth. This usually occurs when a person uses a bleaching agent that is too potent for their teeth or gets whitening treatments performed too often. A desensitizing toothpaste can be used to reduce the sensitivity caused by whitening treatments, and dental sealants can also be used. The sensitivity typically goes away over time.

Sensitive teeth can be treated

A visit to the dentist is all you need to make your sensitive teeth a thing of the past. At our Columbus dentist office, we regularly perform treatments that can protect and restore your enamel. Stop by today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

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