Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity in Lutz, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills & Beyond

tooth-sensitivityTooth sensitivity manifests itself as pain felt when the teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sour, or sweet food and beverages. It usually is a sharp, shooting discomfort that lasts for a few seconds after you take a drink of something like iced tea, or even when you inhale extremely cold air. After experiencing this discomfort over time, many people simply adjust to sensitive teeth by avoiding the triggers that cause pain. Yet, there are steps you can take to mitigate sensitivity-related pain without foregoing some of your favorite food or drinks, and the caring doctors and staff at Serenity Dental are here to help.

It’s important to first understand what causes tooth sensitivity. It stems primarily from exposure of the dentin – the underlying layer of your teeth – resulting from receding gum tissue. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth become exposed. Within the roots are channels that lead to the pulp, which is the deeply imbedded nerve center of the tooth. The channels within the roots serve as conduits for the cold, hot, sweet, or sour stimuli to interact with the pulp.

Gums can recede and produce tooth sensitivity because of age, gum disease, cracked teeth, using certain tooth whitening products, ingesting acidic food or beverages, or even brushing too hard. Sensitive teeth can often be prevented by:

  • Practicing good oral hygiene at home
  • Using toothpaste and mouth cleansers with fluoride
  • Avoiding grinding the teeth
  • Visiting the dentist on a regular basis for cleanings

Occasionally, tooth sensitivity may be the result of a serious underlying problem, such as severe periodontal disease or gingivitis. If so, the doctors Serenity Dental will find it during an in-depth diagnosis using state-of-the-art imaging equipment. We are equipped to handle every type of dental work necessary to alleviate the pain of sensitive teeth.Contact us today to learn more, or to set up an appointment at one of our three dental offices in Lutz, Wesley Chapel, or Zephyrhills.