What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
You may be all too familiar with the pain and discomfort of sensitive teeth and gums—that sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your tooth through your gum and seemingly throughout your body. It happens with the simplest of activities: eating, drinking, and sometimes even just breathing through your mouth. While you know all about the pain, you may not know exactly why you are experiencing this discomfort or how to help sensitive teeth. There are treatment options, so don’t wait too long before seeking the advice of dental care expert. Sensitive teeth and gums can be caused by cavities or broken teeth and can develop into worse conditions that may threaten your health. It is only a single layer of enamel that stands between your teeth and the onslaught of everything you put into your mouth. That single layer of enamel has to stand up to a lot—that’s why it is the strongest substance in the entire body. Beyond the enamel lies another protective surface called cementum, which protects the tooth root beneath the gum line. And below that is the dentin, a low-density substance comprised of small hollow tubes called tubules. When the protective layers above dentin become damaged or worn, the tubules receive the brunt of what you put in your mouth. Hot foods, cold drinks, acidic snacks, and sticky desserts all have the opportunity to reach the very core of the tooth, stimulating nerves and leaving you very uncomfortable. The damage is sometime so severe that even breathing through your mouth too sharply can induce a less-than-pleasant sensation. This type of damage is the root cause of sensitive teeth. In many cases, sensitive teeth and gums can be prevented through proper dental care, such as twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. If you are already experiencing signs and symptoms of sensitive teeth, you should speak to an affordable dentist about dental care options for the treatment of tooth sensitivity. There are a variety of treatment options for sensitive teeth and gums. The treatment plan will depend on the cause of your sensitive teeth and the amount of discomfort that you may be experiencing. For immediate, at-home remedies, try desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block tooth pain. At the dentist, you may receive fluoride treatments for the affected areas. If the issue is related to tooth decay or a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, your dentist may have to use other treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or inlays. In the most serious cases, where the condition has extended into the gum line, a root canal may be necessary. If any pain or discomfort of the teeth and gums persists for more than three or four days, call your dentist for an appointment. The sooner you seek solutions, the better the outcome for your long-term health. To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Atlanta, call today at or make an appointment. Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Atlanta. With 8 affiliated practices throughout Georgia, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At , we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at .