Are you scared to bite into an ice cream bar because you are worried that it will make your teeth hurt? Or maybe hot liquids, like coffee or tea, make you wince when you drink them. Perhaps you avoid brushing or flossing much because it does not feel good. If you are experiencing things like this, you may have sensitive teeth. No one should stop doing daily habits that they enjoy because they fear they may cause them pain. When you visit your Leawood, KS, dentist during your regular checkup and cleaning, let us know if your teeth are feeling sensitive. We can examine them thoroughly to root out the cause of it.
Why Are My Teeth Feeling Sensitive?
Healthy teeth have a layer of protection called enamel that covers them above your gum line. This protective layer under your gum line is called cementum. Under both of them is the dentin. Compared to enamel and cementum, it is less dense. It also has small, hollow canals (tubules). When a patient’s enamel or cementum wears down, the temperature from food and drinks can contact a tooth’s nerves and cells. This makes the teeth hypersensitive. Ways that your enamel or cementum can lose their effectiveness include tooth decay, cracked or chipped teeth, fillings that are worn down, and gum disease.
Can My Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?
Yes, sensitive teeth can be treated. When you make an appointment with your Leawood, KS, dentist, we will determine what is causing their sensitivity and recommend a treatment. The options may include suggesting brushing your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste, as it contains compounds that help block sensitive causing items from reaching the nerves of the teeth. Another option is fluoride gel, which is done in the office to help strengthen the enamel. Other options include fitting you with a dental crown or inlay, receiving a surgical gum graft to help reduce sensitivity and to protect the roots of the teeth, and a root canal treatment, especially if you have severe sensitivity that is persistent and no other treatment has been effective.
Why Should I Treat It Quickly?
If you have multiple teeth that are sensitive, there could be an issue of gum recession. If left untreated, the roots of your teeth will be exposed. Also, cavities could be the cause of tooth sensitivity. If that is left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss or an infection that spreads throughout your body. Visiting us as soon as your teeth hurt will help us detect the cause early and offer treatment.
Schedule An Appointment With Us
If sensitive teeth make it difficult for you to eat or drink your favorite things, please see us so we can help. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
