The Patient’s Guide to Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among adults and is often triggered by consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Your top cosmetic dentist can provide treatment for tooth sensitivity, and it is important to educate yourself on the causes and risk factors associated with sensitive teeth. With the following guide, you can strengthen your teeth and once again enjoy the foods and beverages you love.

Causes and Risk Factors
Sensitive teeth may be the result of a number of factors, including tooth decay near the gum line, grinding or clenching your teeth, increased age, plaque buildup, and the long-term use of alcohol-based mouthwash, which can damage the hard outer-layer of your teeth called enamel. Tooth sensitivity may also be the result of overly rigorous brushing, gum recession that exposes the root surfaces, gum disease, acidic foods, excessive whitening, and cracks or breaks along the enamel.

Steps You Can Take
One of the best ways to decrease your risk for tooth sensitivity is to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day.  You can also reduce the risk of sensitive teeth by using a mouth guard at night if you grind or clench your teeth, brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste, and limiting your consumption of sugary, acidic foods. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can also reduce the chances of tooth sensitivity by washing away the acid that eats away at the enamel of your teeth.

In some cases, sensitive teeth may an early sign of a more complicated dental condition. Let the top dentists with Park 56 Dental in New York City determine the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity—schedule an appointment by calling (212) 826-2322. Our top cosmetic dentists also offer implants, bridges, veneers, root canals, Zoom! whitening, sedation dentistry, and emergency dentistry services.