Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that many people experience.

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that many people experience, causing discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet items. Understanding the root causes of tooth sensitivity can help you address the issue and find relief. Below are four common causes of tooth sensitivity, and how Arrowhead Dental can provide treatments to reduce or eliminate this discomfort.

Enamel erosion occurs when the thin outer layer of your teeth wears down over time, often due to acidic foods, drinks, or aggressive brushing. Without enamel, the softer layer underneath, called dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is connected to nerve endings, which can trigger sharp pain or sensitivity when exposed to temperature changes.

How Arrowhead Dental Can Help: At Arrowhead Dental, we offer treatments such as fluoride varnishes or sealants to help strengthen enamel and prevent further erosion. If the damage is extensive, we may recommend dental bonding or crowns to restore the affected teeth.

Gum recession happens when your gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the tooth root, which is more sensitive than the enamel-covered crown. Receding gums can occur due to factors like gum disease, improper brushing techniques, or aging.

How Arrowhead Dental Can Help: We can address gum recession through treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. If the recession is severe, we might recommend gum graft surgery to cover the exposed roots and protect the tooth structure from further damage.

Cavities, or tooth decay, can lead to tooth sensitivity. As decay progresses, it reaches deeper layers of the tooth, including the nerves, which can result in sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods.

How Arrowhead Dental Can Help: If you have a cavity causing sensitivity, Arrowhead Dental offers restorative treatments like fillings or crowns to repair the damaged tooth. We also encourage regular checkups to catch cavities early and prevent them from causing further discomfort.

Grinding your teeth, often during sleep, can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive layers of your teeth. This pressure can also cause cracks or chips in your teeth, which can increase sensitivity.

How Arrowhead Dental Can Help: If you suffer from bruxism, we can provide custom mouthguards to wear while you sleep. These mouthguards help protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and reduce the risk of enamel loss or tooth damage.

At Arrowhead Dental, we offer a variety of solutions to treat tooth sensitivity and restore your comfort:

• Desensitizing Treatments: Professional treatments designed to block pain signals and reduce sensitivity.

• Fluoride Applications: Fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and protect against further wear.

• Restorative Procedures: Fillings, crowns, or bonding to address decay or damage caused by sensitivity.

• Mouthguards: Custom-designed mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and protect your teeth from further damage.

Understanding the causes of sensitivity and seeking professional care can help you enjoy your meals and daily activities without discomfort. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, contact Arrowhead Dental today to schedule an appointment and learn about our personalized treatment options to relieve your pain and improve your oral health.

If you’re due for a dental checkup or have any oral health concerns, schedule an appointment with Arrowhead Dental today. Our expert team is here to support your journey to a brighter, healthier smile!