Why Do I Have Sensitive Teeth?

Do you wince in pain while sipping coffee? Does a bowl of ice cream make you cringe? Most people experience the occasional tooth sensitivity to heat and cold. But you should schedule an appointment with our office if having sensitive teeth becomes a chronic problem.

Sensitive Teeth Ann Arbor MI Dentists

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing sensitive teeth. An experienced dentist will be able to both diagnose and treat the source of your sensitivity so you can enjoy improved oral health.

Here are some common reasons for sensitive teeth.

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. These bacteria love to feed on sugar particles left behind on your teeth and gums after you eat.

For this reason, it’s important that you practice good oral hygiene at home. This means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles caught between teeth.

If you neglect oral hygiene, you may notice that your teeth feel a little rough or “fuzzy.” What you’re feeling is actually plaque buildup on your teeth. In fact, you may notice it more after eating or drinking something sweet.

When left untreated, plaque will harden into tartar and can cause oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease. While you can remove plaque at home by practicing good oral hygiene, only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar during your next teeth cleaning appointment.

Receding Gums

Patients with gum disease may experience tooth sensitivity due to receding gums. When the gums pull away from the teeth, they may expose the roots and the layer of dentin underneath.

Dentin is made out of microscopic tubules that lead to the nerves inside your teeth. Once the dentin is exposed, heat and cold is able to travel directly to the nerves, which causes sensitivity.

Tooth Decay

You may experience sensitive teeth more if you have a cavity. That’s why it’s important that you call our office if you have persistent dental pain or discomfort. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the more time you’re giving the cavity to grow and spread to the rest of the tooth.

If you experience prolonged tooth sensitivity to heat and cold, please call our office right away. This may be a sign that the tooth is infected and that you’ll need an emergency root canal. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Request an Appointment With Us

Looking for relief for sensitive teeth? Our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice. Our goal is to help you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for life.

To request an appointment, please call Enhance Family Dentistry at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

Get in touch with our friendly dental staff!

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