Are Your Teeth Sensitive? It’s Important to Know Why

Your teeth are meant to handle a lot without any complaint, so when they start to grow sensitive, it’s natural to worry. In fact, sensitive teeth are a common sign of many different dental health concerns, and ignoring them could lead to more serious concerns with your teeth and more. While some home remedies, like taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, can help give you a temporary reprieve, it’s important to know exactly why your teeth are sensitive and treat it in order to find lasting relief.

What makes your teeth sensitive?

The reason healthy teeth aren’t usually sensitive is because of the strong, mineralized layer of enamel that surrounds and protects them. Tooth enamel provides a barrier between your more sensitive main tooth structure, called dentin, and irritations like bacteria, food, and beverages. However, this layer can become weak due to things like erosion from harmful oral bacteria, or constant friction from teeth-grinding (bruxism). If this occurs, then the sensation can be a warning that your teeth are in danger of more serious threats, like tooth decay.

Possible solutions for sensitive teeth

Weakened or compromised tooth enamel are among the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity, but they aren’t the only causes. For example, gum recession can expose your teeth roots, making them sensitive as well. Hidden damage, developing tooth decay, and more can also be potential causes. After a careful examination to determine the nature of your tooth sensitivity, we can recommend an appropriate, customized solution, such as:

  • Improvements to your hygiene – Enamel grows weak when oral bacteria overwhelm it, so improving your daily hygiene routine may be an important step in alleviating sensitivity. By brushing and flossing consistently, and using antibacterial mouthwash, if appropriate, we can help you fortify your tooth enamel so that it regains its strength.
  • Treatment for tooth decay – The erosion of your tooth enamel isn’t just a common cause of tooth sensitivity; it’s also the precursor to tooth decay, which is the cause of cavity development. If your tooth has developed a cavity, then alleviating the pain in it will require treating the tooth decay, such as with a tooth-colored filling.

Learn more by scheduling an appointment

Sensitive teeth are never a good sign, but before you can treat them, it’s important to know what’s making them sensitive in the first place. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.