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Discovering Tooth Sensitivity: What You Need to Know

June 10, 2024

If the pleasure of enjoying a scoop of rich, creamy ice cream or sipping on a warm cup of tea is marred by sharp pains in your teeth, it's time to pay us a visit. As dedicated providers of care at Florida Gardens Dental Center, our skilled professionals are ready to diagnose the cause of your discomfort and provide the necessary treatment to ease your pain and restore your oral health.

Tooth sensitivity affects millions of people in the United States, with most cases occurring between ages 20 and 50. This dental issue can range from a mild tingle to an intense jolt of discomfort. Depending on the cause, you may experience tooth sensitivity in just one tooth or across multiple teeth. For some individuals, the pain is so severe that it disrupts their daily routines, causing them to avoid cold foods and beverages entirely or use a straw when drinking.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

  • Exposed and sensitive dentin due to gum recession and periodontal disease
  • Wearing away healthy tooth structure through habits such as overly vigorous brushing or teeth grinding
  • Chemical erosion of teeth from a diet high in acidic foods or beverages.
  • Overuse of teeth whitening agents.
  • Health problems like dry mouth, acid reflux, and eating disorders can also contribute to irritated dentin and tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

The first step in addressing your sensitive teeth is to have one of our experienced dentists determine the root cause of your discomfort. A sudden, sharp pain in a tooth can stem from various dental issues, including cavities, cracked or fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum recession, thinning tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, or temporary side effects following a recent dental procedure.

Once our dentist has diagnosed your condition as dentin hypersensitivity, we'll recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. There are numerous regimens available, both in-office and for at-home use:

We may suggest incorporating a specialized desensitizing toothpaste into your oral care routine. Desensitizing toothpaste often requires multiple applications over time to effectively alleviate discomfort.

Should desensitizing toothpaste not be sufficient, alternative therapeutic options are available, such as fluoride gel and other topical desensitizing agents. In more severe cases, advanced dental procedures may be necessary. Treatment might include the placement of a filling or other dental restoration to seal off sensitive dentin or a surgical gum graft to cover exposed tooth roots. A root canal could be considered if dentin hypersensitivity persists despite other interventions.

Taking Control of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity doesn't have to control your life. We can help you regain comfort and confidence in your smile. Visit the office of Florida Gardens Dental Center today for a consultation.

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Contact Info

7479 Lake Worth Road
Suite B
Lake Worth, FL 33467
FloridaGardensDentalCenter@comcast.net

Office Hours

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed