Learn More From Our Elmhurst Dentists About Dental Sensitivity

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Dec 4, 2018

If you are one of the many people living with dental sensitivity, then you already know how down right annoying this condition can be. You may be limiting your diet or activity level, for example, in order to minimize your risk of dealing with oral sensitivity.

Well, no more! Our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you overcome dental sensitivity, so that you can get back to your best life. Keep reading to learn more:

The first step to treating dental sensitivity is to determine why it’s happening in the first place. Dental sensitivity occurs for a number of reasons:

  • Thinning dental enamel: the sensitive dentin (which sits below the protective enamel) is too exposed, and thus your teeth are irritated.
  • Receding gum tissue: the nerves below your gums and in your jawbone tissue are no longer covered and protected.
  • Existing cavities or infection: oral bacteria have degraded your healthy tooth structure, and irritants are able to infiltrate to the sensitive inner tooth layers.
  • Bruxism: chronic dental grinding or clenching has put pressure on your teeth. In some cases, this leads to visually imperceptible cracks and chips in your teeth.

The treatments that we offer will be catered to meet your specific needs. For example, some treatments, like topical fluoride applications, are designed to strengthen existing natural dental enamel. You may also benefit from protective sealant-type materials that buffer the tooth from potentially irritating agents. Additionally, there are toothpaste and mouth rinse formulations that help to minimize nerve sensitivity day to day.

As you prepare to meet with your dental team, take some notes about when, and under what conditions, you’re prone to experiencing dental sensitivity; this will help us zone in on the ideal treatment protocol for you!

Our Elmhurst dentists are here to answer any questions that you may have, and to help you find lasting relief. We look forward to speaking with you!