10 Aug The Truth Behind Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaint we hear from our patients at Noble Dental. Let’s discuss why tooth sensitivity occurs and what can you about it.
As Philadelphia dentists we are trying to help our patients and prospective patients understand the meaning behind their tooth sensitivity. A tooth is made up of two different structures. The outer layer is called enamel. It is the hard white structure of our teeth. Underneath is an inner layer that is more yellow called dentin. As we wear that structure our teeth, the enamel wears away and exposes dentin. Dentin is not as hard as enamel and is porous. The dentin structure is actually made up of tubules, which allows for fluid movement which you feel as pain.
The most common factor for tooth sensitivity we, as some of the best dentists in Philadelphia, see is due to gum recession. When gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed. The structure that makes up the root is not as strong and hard as enamel, and thus this exposed surface and that can cause cold sensitivity. Other causes of tooth sensitivity include: periodontal disease, excess tooth whitening, tooth decay, leaking fillings, and excessive grinding.
What you eat can also affect your tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods and drinks can make teeth more sensitive because these substances erode the enamel of the tooth. Drinks that can increase tooth sensitivity includes: sodas (regular AND diet), energy drinks, fruit juices, wine and coffee.
Noble Dental’s Philadelphia dentists have solutions to helping your sensitivity not only in the office but also at home. At home, we recommend to our patients to use toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate or calcium phosphate. Sometimes this is all that is needed to decrease tooth sensitivity. If more is needed to help with the sensitivity, while we also offer in office solutions. At Noble Dental, being some of the best dentists in Philadelphia, we complete thorough comprehensive exams to determine what your tooth sensitivity is due to, such as if it is because of tooth decay or gum recession. As your Philadelphia dentists, if your sensitivity is due to decay, we can help your sensitivity by removing the tooth decay and placing tooth colored fillings. If we find gum recession, we can suggest placing a fluoride treatment. If that does not help, then we may suggest a tooth color filling over the recession or we may refer you to a periodontist who can perform a procedure where they cover the root with gum grafts.
At Noble Dental, we pride ourselves on being some of the best dentists in Philadelphia who provide quality, comfortable dental care in a welcoming environment.