Why Are My Teeth Sensitive? Fullerton, CA
Tooth sensitivity can occur when a person experiences pain while biting into a popsicle, taking a sip of hot tea, when brushing and flossing, and more. An endodontist can help determine the cause and provide treatment. Prolonged hypersensitivity in teeth can signal an underlying problem that needs dental care.
If you are wondering why your teeth are sensitive, we can help. Treatment for sensitive teeth is available at Saman Malkami DMD in Fullerton and the surrounding area. Call us at (714) 459-8002 to schedule an appointment.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Healthy teeth have a layer of enamel covering the crown, which is visible above the gums. The tooth root, which rests below the gum line, receives protection from a layer of cementum. Dentin, a less dense material that consists of hollow tubes or tubules, lays below the enamel and cementum.
Without the protection from enamel and cementum, cold, heat, sugar, and acidity from food get through the dentin and contact the cells and nerves inside the tooth. Gum recession can also expose dentin.
Teeth can experience pain and hypersensitivity if a person does any of the following:
- Brushing too hard or not using a soft-bristled brush
- Receiving dental work like teeth cleanings, tooth restorations, replacements crowns, or root planing
- Consuming acid-rich foods like tomatoes and citrus
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Using tooth whiteners and toothpaste with peroxide
“Dentin, a less dense material that consists of hollow tubes or tubules, lays below the enamel and cementum.”
When Sensitive Teeth Signal a Problem
Some sensitive teeth do not need dental intervention. However, a tooth that gets a crack or chip from munching hard foods or ice needs attention. Cracks in teeth can expose nerves and permit bacteria to enter, causing inflammation and infection and increasing sensitivity.
Serious problems associated with sensitive teeth can have one or more causes, including:
- Cavities and decay
- Exposed root
- Filling Fractures
- Fractures
- Gum disease
- Worn enamel
“Cracks in teeth can expose nerves and allow bacteria to enter, causing inflammation and infection to occur and increasing sensitivity.”
Why See an Endodontist for Tooth Sensitivity
A patient experiencing problems with sensitive teeth will likely get an endodontist referral from their dentist. Endodontists are dentists with two or more years of additional training in treating tooth pulp, the internal part consisting of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Endodontists perform root canals and diagnose and heal tooth pain. In addition, they are extra skilled in pain management. They even work well with especially pain-sensitive patients.
“Endodontists perform root canals and diagnose and heal tooth pain.”
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Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth
People with sensitive teeth can treat their pain. Many solutions involve simple changes to daily oral hygiene, such as using a soft-bristled brush and avoiding hard brushing. Other remedies to reduce sensitivity include:
- Bonding, crown, inlay, or root canal
- Fluoride gel
- Mouthguard to prevent teeth clenching and grinding
- Surgical gum graft to replace gum tissue
- Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
Regular flossing and brushing can maintain oral health and protect sensitive teeth. A good way to treat tooth sensitivity is to prevent it. An endodontist can provide advice on healthy habits and how to cope with hypersensitivity.
“Regular flossing and brushing can maintain oral health and protect sensitive teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What causes sensitive teeth?
Q. When should I seek dental care for sensitive teeth?
Q. Why would a dentist refer me to an endodontist?
Q. How do I treat sensitive teeth?
Q. What do I look for when searching for an endodontist?
People Also Ask
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Finding an Endodontist
Endodontists can help patients treat and take care of sensitive teeth. A primary dentist can provide recommendations to highly qualified professionals. It is also a good idea to consult friends and family, do an online search for local endodontists, and read patient reviews.
When searching for an endodontist, a person should get basic information like location to determine convenience and accessibility. Office hours are also a factor, especially if someone is available after traditional work hours or weekends. Also, patients should find endodontists who accept their insurance plans.
Finding a board-certified endodontist is essential. Other factors include experience level and track record of success with the procedures a patient requires. Finally, patients should find out if a potential endodontist uses the most advanced methods and equipment.
“A primary dentist can provide recommendations of highly qualified professionals.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an endodontist?
A. An endodontist is a dentist who has at least two additional years of training in dental school. Endodontists have a specialization in treating pain and problems with the inside of the tooth. They typically perform root canals and other procedures that address issues with tooth pulp.
Q. Which foods cause tooth sensitivity?
A. Acidic foods and beverages with tomatoes and citrus can aggravate a sensitive tooth. Carbohydrates with high amounts of sugar can also cause pain. Instead, foods like cheese, yogurt, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables activate saliva, which helps combat bacteria and acid.
Q. When is tooth sensitivity cause for concern?
A. In some cases, tooth sensitivity is not a serious issue. For example, a few seconds of pain after biting something hot or cold usually should not cause worry. However, if a person's teeth are often sensitive to temperatures or the pain lasts for more than a minute, it is probably time to see a professional.
Q. How can I treat tooth sensitivity at home?
A. People can adopt changes in their oral hygiene routine for minor problems with sensitive teeth, such as using less pressure when brushing or desensitizing toothpaste. They can also reduce their consumption of acidic and sugary foods. Another way to treat tooth sensitivity at home is to get a mouth guard to prevent teeth clenching or grinding, especially during sleep.
Q. Why is it important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush for sensitive teeth?
A. You may think using hard or medium bristled toothbrushes are better for your teeth because it may feel like you are giving them a more thorough clean. However, there is a good reason one sees more soft-bristled toothbrushes than anything else in stores. Most dental professionals recommend them, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Too much pressure or harsh brushing can negatively affect both gums and enamel.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definitions
Learn More about Sensitive Teeth
In many cases, patients can treat tooth sensitivity at home. However, hypersensitivity can also signal a problem that requires professional care. Regardless of the severity, an endodontist can recommend several products and behaviors for taking care of sensitive teeth.
Contact Saman Malkami DMD in Fullerton for more information about what causes sensitive teeth. You can call us at 714-459-8002 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Association of Endodontist. What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist? 2024
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Tips. 2024
- Healthline. Tooth Enamel Erosion: What You Should Know. 2024
- Mouth Healthy. Composite Fillings. 2024
- National Library of Medicine. Dentin: Structure, Composition and Mineralization. 2024
- ScienceDirect. Cementum. 2024
- WebMD. Fluoride Gel. 2024
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