Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive Teeth in Hurst, TX
If hot coffee, cold drinks, sweets, or even a breath of cold air makes your teeth hurt, you may be experiencing sensitive teeth.
At Mid Cities Dental, we can identify what is causing your tooth sensitivity and recommend the right treatment for relief. As part of our preventive dentistry services, we look for problems that may be contributing to sensitivity and help protect your teeth from further damage. Whether the problem comes from worn enamel, exposed roots, a cavity, or a cracked tooth, addressing the underlying cause can help make eating and drinking comfortable again.
What Is Causing Your Sensitive Teeth?
- Worn tooth enamel that exposes the more sensitive layers of the tooth
- Receding gums that leave portions of the tooth root exposed
- Tooth grinding that gradually wears or damages the teeth
- Aggressive or improper brushing that can wear enamel and contribute to gum recession
- Acidic foods and drinks that can gradually erode protective enamel
- Cavities or worn fillings that allow sensitivity to develop
- Cracked or damaged teeth that may cause sharp or localized sensitivity
- Recent dental treatment or whitening that can cause temporary sensitivity
Sometimes tooth sensitivity is a sign that treatment is needed. Depending on the cause, a bonded dental filling, dental crown, or root canal procedure may be recommended to restore and protect the tooth. Our goal is to find the source of your sensitivity and recommend the appropriate treatment to make your teeth comfortable again.
Signs You May Have Sensitive Teeth
Sensitivity isn’t always the same for everyone. You may notice:
- Pain with hot or cold foods and drinks
- Sensitivity to sweets or acidic foods
- Discomfort when brushing or flossing
- Pain when breathing in cold air
- A sharp sensation in one particular tooth
- Sensitivity that is becoming more frequent
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
You don’t have to live with tooth sensitivity. At Mid Cities Dental, we start by identifying what is causing your discomfort so we can recommend treatment that addresses the problem, not just the symptoms.
Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, treatment may include:
- Fluoride varnish to strengthen exposed root surfaces and help reduce sensitivity
- Desensitizing treatments for teeth that react to hot, cold, or other triggers
- Bonded dental fillings to repair cavities or areas where the tooth has been damaged
- Dental crowns to protect cracked, worn, or weakened teeth
- Treatment for grinding or clenching to help prevent continued enamel wear
- Root canal treatment when sensitivity is caused by damage or infection deeper inside the tooth
Sometimes the solution is relatively simple. Other times, tooth sensitivity is an early warning that a tooth needs treatment. An examination allows us to determine the cause and recommend the best way to relieve your discomfort and protect your tooth.
Ready for Relief from Tooth Sensitivity?
We'll find out what's causing your discomfort and recommend the right treatment for your teeth.
Schedule an AppointmentWhat Causes Sensitive Teeth?
At Mid Cities Dental, we know many people suffer from sensitive teeth: a condition in which hot and cold foods or liquids, and even sudden puffs of air can cause discomfort and pain.
Sensitive Teeth Can Be Caused By Many Things
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things. An unnoticed cavity or abscessed tooth can sometimes be a culprit. But over time and as you age, changes in temperature, as well as such behaviors as tooth grinding (bruxism) and overly aggressive brushing, can cause small, often microscopic cracks or fissures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth (or near the gum lines), which exposes the inner structures called dentin.
Tooth Erosion
Consuming many types of drinks and foods that have a high acid content can cause damage to the enamel that protects your teeth. This causes changes to the way your teeth look. It can make your teeth get cavities easier and cause infections from bacteria. It can also cause tooth sensitivity. The following changes in your teeth may be a sign of tooth erosion.
- Pain due to increased sensitivity to sweet, cold, or hot drinks and food
- The teeth look yellow or translucent near the edges
- You start getting more cavities
- Rough edges appear or small cracks
- You have a change in your fillings
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can cause people to change their eating habits, avoid social situations, or even avoid proper oral hygiene because the simple act of brushing or rinsing causes pain. Relief can sometimes be had by using a desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, or special fillings.
Sensitive Teeth Facts
- Sensitive teeth are often caused by exposed dentin, the softer layer beneath your tooth enamel. When dentin becomes exposed, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can trigger discomfort.
- Worn enamel and receding gums can increase tooth sensitivity. Aggressive brushing, tooth grinding, aging, and acidic foods and drinks can gradually expose more sensitive areas of your teeth.
- Over time, untreated plaque and poor dental hygiene can result in tooth loss and more complex dental treatment.
- Sudden sensitivity can be a sign of a dental problem. Cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or an abscessed tooth can sometimes cause sensitivity, especially when the discomfort is limited to one tooth.
- Acidic foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion. As enamel becomes thinner, teeth may appear more yellow, develop rough edges or small cracks, become more prone to cavities, and feel increasingly sensitive.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
In the video, Dr. Eberlein discusses cracked tooth syndrome.
Related Sensitive Teeth Articles
Explore Our Other Dental Services
Mid Cities Dental offers complete dental care for patients of all ages in Hurst, TX. In addition to preventive dentistry, we provide restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental services to help protect, repair, and improve your smile.