{"id":3523,"date":"2021-06-14T19:58:21","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T19:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=3523"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:23:14","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:23:14","slug":"sensitive-teeth-getting-to-the-root-of-the-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/sensitive-teeth-getting-to-the-root-of-the-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensitive Teeth: Getting to the Root of the Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"
Would you believe us if we told you that enough Americans struggle with sensitive teeth to match the entire population of California?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s around <\/span>forty million<\/b> people, which works out to about 12% of the entire US population.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Believe it or not, those were the numbers reported by the Academy of General Dentistry back in 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With statistics like that, there\u2019s a good chance that either you or someone you know is dealing with this dental health issue right now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n But what causes teeth sensitivity? How can you identify it? And what can you do about it?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In today\u2019s article, we\u2019ll be diving into each of these questions and providing you with the knowledge and solutions you need to do what\u2019s best for your smile.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you start to feel discomfort in your mouth, it can set your mind off on a rollercoaster of worries and assumptions.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To help you determine if what you\u2019re feeling is teeth sensitivity, there are a few telltale signs to watch out for.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you feel discomfort or sensitivity when:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then you might have a case of sensitive teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sensation can often be told apart from the pain due to a cavity or other dental health problem…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n But sometimes, a tooth can be so sensitive that it hurts. If this is the case for you, check to see if the gums around the problem tooth have receded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you notice that the gumline is lower than the surrounding teeth, that can be a dead giveaway that sensitivity is at the root of the issue \u2013 pun intended!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another possibility is if you have a crack in one of your teeth or dental restoration such as a filling or crown. If the break goes deep enough, it could reach the root of your tooth and cause discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you ever have teeth chipping<\/a>, or break one of your teeth, it\u2019s crucial to visit your <\/span>San Diego dentist<\/b> as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dental emergencies<\/b> like these can cause unseen damage to your mouth, so it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve learned the symptoms, it\u2019s important to know why our teeth become sensitive so we can take the proper steps to fix it when it happens.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tooth sensitivity is caused by the exposure of the inner layers of your teeth that house nervous tissue, also known as dentin.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your dentin can become exposed either from receding gums or the breakdown of enamel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth that does its best to shield your smile from the sugars and acids in the foods and drinks you consume.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both gum recession and enamel breakdown can occur in several different ways, which we\u2019ve outlined for you below:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n So, you can\u2019t eat or drink anything too hot or cold without discomfort. <\/span>What can you do about it?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you notice your teeth are sensitive, the first thing we recommend is getting in touch with your <\/span>San Diego dentist<\/b> immediately. <\/span>It may be something as simple as brushing too hard, but the only way to know for sure is to see a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once they identify the source of the issue, they can point you in the right direction towards solving it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your solution will vary based on your unique situation, but here\u2019s a list of potential treatments your dentist may use to treat or even cure your sensitive teeth<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve sought treatment, there are plenty of ways to fight the good fight and maintain your dental health outside the office:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush – <\/b>To avoid irritating your gums, apply only minimal pressure when doing your daily brushing. And if you\u2019re using anything other than a soft-bristle brush, make the switch. Your gums will thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Limit your consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks – <\/b>Sweets, sodas, candy, alcohol. What do all these treats have in common? Your teeth aren\u2019t very big fans of any of them. So, whenever you indulge, do so in moderation and make sure to clean your teeth afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rinse with saltwater – <\/b>Some treatments can cause teeth sensitivity for a few days following your dentist visit. Mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of room-temperature water and rinsing with it can provide temporary relief from any discomfort or pain.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Avoid tobacco products – <\/b>If you want to quit but aren\u2019t sure how don\u2019t be afraid to talk with your doctor. The sooner you stop smoking, the faster your risk of gum disease and oral cancer will decrease.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Put a hold on any teeth whitening treatments – Ghost White Teeth Whitening<\/a><\/b>\u00a0products, whether at the office or over-the-counter, are known to cause sensitive teeth. If you\u2019re already feeling discomfort, these treatments can make things worse. Wait until you\u2019ve got your sensitivity under control before using any of these products.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular checkups at your San Diego dentist – <\/b>The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to stay on top of your daily emergency dental care<\/a> and make time for professional cleanings and exams. If you haven\u2019t already, contact your local San Diego dentist today to set up a checkup and ensure your smile is taken care of.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n At Dental Express San Diego<\/a>, our mission is to embolden as many lives through dentistry as possible. <\/span>If you\u2019re a San Diego local and you struggle with sensitive teeth, we\u2019re always here to help.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have any questions about your symptoms, treatments, or home remedies, we\u2019d love to hear from you.\u00a0<\/span>We also accept walk-ins and same-day appointments, so you can come in whenever is most convenient for you.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With <\/span>six locations<\/b><\/a> in the greater San Diego area, affordable dental care is right in your neighborhood. <\/span>Come say hello; we\u2019d love to see your smile!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How to Easily Identify & Prevent Oral Cancer<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for Your Teeth?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\nTooth Sensitivity Symptoms to Look Out for<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What Causes Sensitive Teeth?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How to Treat Sensitive Teeth<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Ways to Prevent or Reduce Teeth Sensitivity<\/span><\/h2>\n
For You, About You Dentistry in San Diego<\/span><\/h2>\n
Keep Reading<\/span><\/h2>\n