Sensitive Teeth – Topeka & Silver Lake, KS

Why Choose Michel Dental for Treating Sensitive Teeth?

• Most Dental Insurances Accepted
• Dental Emergency Patients Welcome
• Two Convenient Locations

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the foods and drinks you consume make you feel sensations in your teeth, typically discomfort or perhaps even mild pain. The enamel, or the protective outer layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body, but it is not impenetrable. Underneath, the layer of dentin contains tubules that connect to your tooth’s nerve center or the pulp. When the dentin becomes exposed, it can trigger a more sensitive response. Usually tooth sensitivity doesn’t reach the point of a moderate or severe toothache, but if it isn’t handled soon, it could easily develop into one.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Your teeth could be sensitive for a myriad of reasons, including:

• Worn away enamel, which can result from brushing too hard, an uneven bite, or grinding (called bruxism) or clenching of your teeth—just to name a few.
• Receding gums, which expose the more vulnerable tooth roots.
• Decay that has penetrated to the dentin.
• Cracks or fissures in your teeth’s enamel.

If you experience sensitive teeth, make sure you let one of our dentists know about it when you come in for your checkup and cleaning visit. We can make sure that your smile is healthy and provide your teeth with extra reinforcement. However, if the slight discomfort or pain becomes overwhelming, don’t wait for your six-month checkup! It could be a sign of serious trouble and require immediate treatment.

How can tooth sensitivity be treated?

Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, we can provide various solutions. For example, if you have a cavity, we can remove the decay and use composite resin of a dental crown to fill in the lost tooth structure. In other cases, we can give you a fluoride treatment as part of your routine, semiannual cleaning, which you should be attending, so that your teeth are better protected against bacteria and unpleasant sensations. On your own, you can choose to use oral healthcare products like toothpaste and mouthwash that are specifically designed to help with tooth sensitivity. Also, make sure that you brush your teeth twice every day for two minutes each time and floss at least once daily. You can also consider drinking more water and reducing your sugar intake. These simple changes can make a big difference in relieving your sensitive teeth.

Our team at Michel Dental is always happy to help however we can. Feel free to give us a call and schedule your appointment with us today!