Teeth Sensitivity

Do you experience pain or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweet, hot or cold foods? Do brushing and flossing sometimes cause you to cringe? You may be suffering from teeth sensitivity — and you’re not alone: One in five adults suffers from sensitive teeth.

Pain from sensitive teeth usually comes and goes. If you have constant pain, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Discuss your symptoms with your dental professional to determine the cause and proper treatment of your condition.

Teeth Sensitivity Causes
In healthy-looking teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth's hard enamel outer layer. Dentin can become exposed due to receding gums, fractured or chipped teeth or erosion. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.
But there are other factors that can cause tooth sensitivity:

• Brushing too hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and root exposure over time
• Gum disease: Inflamed or sore gum tissue may lead to tooth sensitivity by exposing the root surface leading directly to the nerve of the tooth
• Your age: Because enamel can erode with age and expose dentin, sensitivity can increase with age
• Acidic foods: Eating acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis can cause enamel to erode, increasing the likelihood of sensitivity

Above posting from: www.crest.com

Wisconsin Dentist
Quirt Family Dentistry
200 East Bridge St., Suite 100
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 843-9800