Dentin Sensitivity Explained: Top Causes, Diagnosis, and Much-Needed Relief
That tooth sensitivity could be your dentin.
Ouch! Few sensations are worse than the feeling when you bite into one of your favorite hot or cold foods only to experience a zinger of pain shooting through your mouth. It can be excruciating, making you fear the foods that you once loved. But what is it that causes these zingers? What exactly is dentin sensitivity? In this blog article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about sensitive teeth and how you can provide yourself with some tooth pain relief.
Top Causes of Dentin Sensitivity
Before we get into what causes sensitive teeth, we want to assure you that if it is happening to you, you are not alone. Research suggests that nearly one in eight Americans has sensitive teeth. That’s a lot when you think about it. So why is it so common? And why is it that foods you used to enjoy now cause you pain?
Well, when you think about how often we eat and drink throughout the day, you can see why this condition can quickly interfere with your quality of life. Foods and drinks you once enjoyed without hesitation might suddenly feel like a risk every time you take a bite or sip.
So, what’s happening inside your mouth to cause that sharp, lingering pain? Dentin sensitivity typically develops when the protective structures of your teeth are compromised. Some of the most common causes include:
- Worn-down enamel from aggressive brushing or acidic foods
- Gum recession, exposing root surfaces
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Cracked teeth or old fillings
How is dentin sensitivity diagnosed?
Typically, dentin sensitivity is diagnosed when a patient comes into the practice and tells us they are experiencing dental pain. Specifically, when that happens at Lake Pointe Dental Group, your dentist near Lake Hefner will ask a series of questions to help better understand the pain you are experiencing and when you are experiencing it.
From there, your dentist will conduct a thorough dental evaluation and review your health history to see if any underlying conditions might contribute to your discomfort. Simple in-office tests, such as applying air, cold, or gentle touch to the tooth, can help pinpoint whether the pain is truly related to dentin sensitivity.
These tests also help rule out other possible causes, such as cavities, infections, or fractured teeth, which can mimic similar symptoms. By carefully evaluating your teeth and gums, your dentist in Oklahoma City can provide a clear diagnosis and recommend the right treatment for lasting relief.
How do you get relief from sensitive teeth?
So, how do you get relief? Treatment for tooth pain, especially when the root cause of sensitive teeth, typically consists of a few steps. And what might work for one patient might not work for another, since all teeth are different, and the severity of your dentin sensitivity can vary.
That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your dentist to find a solution tailored to your needs. At Lake Pointe Dental Group, we focus on both immediate relief and long-term strategies to help protect your teeth. Depending on what’s causing your sensitivity, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following options:
- Desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride treatments: These can help strengthen enamel and block pain signals from reaching the nerves inside your teeth.
- Restorative options (bonding, crowns): For teeth with more advanced wear, cracks, or old fillings, restorative treatments can cover exposed dentin and provide lasting protection.
- Avoiding triggers and improving brushing technique: Making small changes to your daily habits, like switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, adjusting your brushing style, and limiting acidic foods, can reduce discomfort over time.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t add a word of caution here. If your teeth hurt when you consume hot or cold beverages, or you are experiencing those zingers we mentioned earlier, don’t wait to seek out treatment. The sooner we can evaluate the situation, the sooner we can help you achieve tooth pain relief. And we can work with you to help prevent the situation from worsening.
By combining professional care with healthy at-home habits, you can significantly reduce sensitivity and enjoy your favorite foods again without pain.
Get Relief from Your Sensitive Tooth Pain at Your Dentist Near Lake Hefner
We don’t want our patients to suffer from the pain associated with dentin sensitivity. And if you fall into that boat, it’s time to pay a visit to your dentist in Oklahoma City today. We’ll help assess the situation and will work with you on a personalized plan to help relieve your tooth pain. Why suffer when you don’t have to?
Request an appointment with our family dentistry team at Lake Pointe Dental Group today.
