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. That being said, you should schedule an appointment with our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, if having sensitive teeth becomes a chronic problem.
Why Do I Have Sensitive Teeth?
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing sensitive teeth. One of our Ann Arbor dentists will be able to both diagnose and treat the source of your sensitivity so you can enjoy improved oral health.
Here are some .
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 one of our dental professionals will be able to remove tartar during a professional teeth cleaning.
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
Worried you may be experiencing a dental emergency? 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 one of our emergency dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, the more time you’re giving the cavity to grow and spread to the rest of the tooth.
If you experience prolonged , 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.
Schedule an Appointment for Sensitive Teeth
Looking for relief from sensitive teeth? Our , are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice. To schedule an appointment, please call Enhance Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
