Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that affects the majority of the population, where hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks cause discomfort or pain. This can manifest as mild, annoying, or as sharp excruciating pains and can be caused by a variety of reasons as explained by a family dentist in Memorial City, West Houston. If you are a resident of Houston, knowing the causes of tooth sensitivity, how it can be treated, and what you can do to prevent it is key to a healthy smile. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at what’s behind tooth sensitivity, what you might do to manage it, and what treatments in Houston can be used to help alleviate pain.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity, is characterized by painful sensations of discomfort in the teeth in response to stimuli such as extreme temperature, acidic food, or pressure. Sensitivity usually occurs when the outer enamel on your teeth thins or your gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin — the inner stuffing of your teeth that contains nerve endings.

Common causes of tooth sensitivity and tooth problems

• Enamel Erosion: The primary reason for tooth sensitivity is the achieved condition of the tooth enamel which is the hard-protective out layer of the tooth. Over time, enamel can erode from a combination of acidic foods and beverages (like citrus, soda, and wine), vigorous brushing, or teeth grinding.
• Gum Recession: When the gums pull back due to gum disease, aging, or brushing too hard, they expose tooth roots. The roots lack enamel so are sensitive to temperature changes, touch, and certain foods.
• Tooth Decays or Cavities: Cavities can expose sensitive regions of the tooth and can lead to an increase in tooth sensitivity. The discomfort is likely to be more pronounced when the cavity hits hot and cold substances.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth (often from stress or while sleeping) can wear enamel down, which then leads to tooth sensitivity. This condition can also cause jaw pain and headaches.
• Dental Procedures: Those are supposed to do the bit right and some people will experience temporary sensitivity after a dental procedure like filling, cleaning, or whitening treatment. The tooth could be more sensitive for up to a few days after these procedures.
• Fractured Teeth: Cracks in teeth can expose sensitive inner layers, prompting sharp and severe pain while eating or drinking.
• Acidic Diet: Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks (including citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda) can eat away at enamel, causing tooth sensitivity over time.

When to See a Dentist

If tooth sensitivity lasts for an extended period, is severe, or has caused discomfort so intense it is affecting your normal daily activities, it is time to make an appointment with a dentist in Houston. Your dentist will examine the underlying issues that have caused your sensitivity and provide the best course of action to take to alleviate your symptoms.

Tooth sensitivity can be a pain in the mouth, but with the right treatments and precautions, you can manage the associated discomfort and live pain-free with that million-dollar smile. If you’ve been struggling with sensitivity due to enamel erosion, gum recession, or something else entirely, a trip to your Houston dentist can pinpoint the issue and offer effective treatments to ease your pain and restore your mouth’s health. You may not be able to prevent tooth sensitivity entirely, but with proper care and attention, you can minimize these symptoms and continue to enjoy a well-maintained and beautiful smile for decades.