Joseph & Joseph Dental

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Dental Care at Home

Don't Ignore Sensitive Teeth!

Does it hurt when you bite into a Popsicle or ice cream? If so, you're not alone. Over 40 million Americans suffer from dentin hypersensitivity, also known as sensitive teeth. And the sensitivity isn't limited to cold; heat, sweet or sour tastes, air, or plaque can also cause you to feel discomfort—or even pain—when you have this condition.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Dentin is the layer of your tooth just beneath the enamel, on the portion of your teeth that is above your gums. Cementum is the hard outer layer of the lower portion of your teeth that exists beneath your gums. Teeth become sensitive when the enamel thins and exposes the dentin and cementum, allowing the nerves and cells within the tooth to feel uncomfortable sensations when irritants come in contact with the tooth's surface. Enamel thinning is caused by many things, including:

  • aging

  • brushing too vigorously near the gum line

  • tooth grinding (called bruxism)

  • tooth decay

  • gum recession or periodontal (gum)disease

  • periodontal surgery

  • enamel corrosion caused by chemicals or digestive acids

    • When does tooth sensitivity become a serious problem?

    If tooth sensitivity is causing you to avoid the sensitive areas when you brush or floss, or you are not eating properly because of the sensitivity, you need treatment. Failing to properly clean your teeth can lead to decay and gum disease, and plaque buildup will make your teeth even more sensitive.

    The good news? Treatment is available.

    Fortunately, there are treatments available for sensitive teeth. We will determine what is causing your sensitivity, and then we can discuss with you which treatment will best suit your situation. Among the choices are:

  • Using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. These are called "desensitizing toothpastes." They work by blocking the transmission of the uncomfortable sensations to the nerve from the tooth's surface. The downside to these products is that they don't take effect until they've been used for several days, so they don't offer immediate relief.


  • Applying fluoride can help to remineralize the damaged enamel portion of your tooth, binding to it and strengthening it so discomfort is lessened. Fluoride can be applied as an in-office procedure or with a prescription for use at home.


  • Having your dentist apply a sealant or a resin coating to cover the exposed surfaces and minimize discomfort.


    • Sensitive teeth are easy and inexpensive to treat, but that's not true for the consequences you can suffer if you ignore this condition. If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, be sure to see us for an evaluation.