.png)
Sensitive Teeth
Southeast Idaho's Sedation Dentistry Experts
Online Dental Education Library
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.
Complete Diagnosis:
Fear of the Dentist-Sedation:
Practice:
Face Bow:
Meaningful Diagnosis:
Cracked Tooth:
Single Crown:
Single Tooth Replacement:
Bridge vs. Implant
Understanding Tooth Wear:
Gingivitis:
Root Canal:
Whitening with a Bleach Tray:
"My patient needs were addressed professionally and respected. I have felt valued on each of my visits. Thank you."
"Every experience with Townesquare Dental has been great! I have had cavities filled, wisdom teeth removed and a skin graft done on my lower gums. They have always taken good care of me. I have always heard horror stories of skin grafts and wisdom teeth from many people and when I had mine done it wasn't a bad experience in the slightest. Everyone that I know who has their wisdom teeth out here at Townesquare Dental has had an amazing experience with little to no pain, swelling or infections afterward. I always recommend Townesquare Dental to anyone looking for more invasive oral procedures." Jordan from Idaho Falls.
If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity," or more commonly, sensitive teeth.
Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking and breathing habits.
At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth result when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen on the chewing surface of the tooth as well as at the gum line. In some cases, sensitive teeth are the result of gum disease, years of unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, or improper or too vigorous brushing (if the bristles of your toothbrush are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard).
Abrasive toothpastes are sometimes the culprit of sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel, and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpastes, may increase tooth sensitivity.
In some cases, desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods can alleviate some of the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
Sometimes, a sensitive tooth may be confused by a patient for a cavity or abscess that is not yet visible.
In any case, contact your dentist if you notice any change in your teeth's sensitivity to temperature.