Tooth sensitivity has a variety of causes, and some of them are harmless. However, ongoing tooth sensitivity that does not improve or go away requires intervention from your De Pere, WI dentist.

Let’s look at the causes of tooth sensitivity and what you can do about them.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There are varying levels of tooth sensitivity. For some, it is mild and only noticeable when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. For others, the sensitivity escalates to an excruciating toothache.

Bad Dental Habits

If you’re like many people, you may have developed a few bad habits over the years, like twisting off bottle caps with your teeth. We recommend using your teeth for chewing and smiling only!

Bad habits can damage your enamel, or it may weaken under daily stresses, which can definitely lead to tooth sensitivity.

Teeth Whitening

Store-bought teeth whitening kits often lead to prolonged tooth sensitivity because the bleaching gel penetrates the soft tissues, including the gums.

Additionally, these products may be too harsh for your enamel, especially if you have an emerging cavity or other oral health problem.

Your cosmetic dentist in De Pere, WI recommends leaving the whitening to the experts!

In our dental office, we always make sure your teeth and gums are in the right shape before giving the okay for professional teeth whitening.

Brushing and Flossing Too Vigorously

We recommend brushing and flossing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. In some cases, patients brush too vigorously, damage their enamel, and end up with sore or sensitive teeth.

Of course, you should spend time on all tooth surfaces, including the backs of your teeth, but a softer touch may eliminate your tooth sensitivity. You can also try switching to a fluoride toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.

Dietary Choices

If you’re drinking a lot of soda, fruit juice, or sugary sports drinks, you should consider lowering your intake or switching to water.

Additionally, if you’re snacking on sugar and carb goodies, consider substituting with healthier foods like:

• Milk and cheese
• Fruits and vegetables
• Plain or low-sugar yogurt

Sticky, sugary, and acidic foods and drinks often lead to tooth sensitivity because they attack enamel, protecting your teeth against cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Bruxism

Bruxism means you grind and clench your teeth during sleep. This condition can lead to severe complications, including tooth sensitivity.

Other symptoms:

• Tooth fractures
• Head, neck, and shoulder pain
• Worn teeth
• TMJ

Not all patients experience every symptom of bruxism, which is why you should visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups. Your dentist can easily spot bruxism and recommend treatments to restore your well-being and save your smile.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Lack of Dental Care

If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist every six months for exams and teeth cleanings, you could have one or more conditions (including early bruxism) causing your tooth sensitivity. Without intervention, the problems can worsen and even lead to tooth loss or body health complications.

How Your De Pere, WI Dentist Can Help

If you have not visited the dentist in a while, we hold no judgments. We simply want to restore your oral health and relieve any tooth sensitivity.

Our dentist will provide a thorough exam, make a diagnosis, and structure a treatment plan to address the cause of your tooth sensitivity.

Undiagnosed Tooth Decay Treatment

If you have a dental cavity, you may not know it. They can start small, emerge between teeth, and even near the back of the mouth.

Your dentist can treat your cavity gently by first numbing the area and providing a tooth-colored filling.

Deep Root Infection Therapy

Deep root infection can often cause tooth sensitivity and eventually excruciating pain and swelling. Your De Pere, WI dentist can provide a root canal treatment to rid your tooth of infection and ease your pain.

A root canal treatment requires removing the infected tissues from deep in your tooth, closing with a healing agent and temporary filling, and later providing a dental crown to prevent further damage to your tooth.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Treatment

Gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease, can cause bleeding gums, swelling, and tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can eradicate gingivitis and treat full gum disease to ease your tooth pain and save your smile.

Left untreated, gum disease can affect your heart, lungs, and even lead to autoimmune issues like rheumatoid arthritis.

We offer gentle periodontal treatment in our dental office.

Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism has a variety of causes and may be linked to anxiety. Your dentist can make recommendations and also provide treatment through appliance therapy.

Appliance therapy means a custom nightguard that allows you to sleep safely and not grind and clench your teeth through the night.

This treatment can save your teeth, eliminate sensitivity, and lower your risks for jaw joint dysfunction, commonly called TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder.

For Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Near Me, Give Us a Call Today

Our goal for you is a comfortable, healthy smile that does not cause you pain. Reach out to a compassionate team member today to restore your well-being.

We serve all areas, including De Pere and Green Bay.