Tooth Sensitivity – Alhambra, CA

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients, but you may be surprised to know that it can happen because of several different reasons. Our dentists will be happy to help you diagnose where your own sensitivity is coming from. Here are some of them:

Tooth Decay

Cavities that could be visible on the top surface or in between the teeth and only visible through x-rays. This can be relieved with the help of direct bonding or dental crowns, as well as fillings.

Cracked Tooth

Cracks can appear on the teeth due to grinding, chewing on ice or simply due to normal wear and tear. Deeper cracks can cause sensitivity to cold or when chewing. Crowns are the best way to repair a cracked tooth.

Worn Teeth by Grinding or Clenching

This can wear the enamel down significantly. Grinding takes place mostly at night and it can put too much force on the teeth, causing teeth to flex at the gum line and enamel to chip away at the gum line and exposes the sensitive dentin. Using a nightguard will help prevent further damage to the teeth.

Worn or Leaking Fillings

Old or broken amalgam fillings often leak and let bacteria and decay inside. Often a root canal is needed to clean out the bacteria, and a crown placed to repair the tooth.

Tooth Erosion

Frequent consumption of soda, sport drinks or other acidic food and beverages can cause enamel erosion. The same applies for excessive and improper brushing technique, especially for individuals with genetically thin gum tissues can push the gums away and expose root dentin. Routine cleanings and fluoride treatments help prevent further decay.

Gum Recession and Tooth Sensitivity

The primary indication of gum recession tends to be tooth sensitivity but can also include the tooth looking longer than normal, as well as a notch that can be felt near the gum line. Gum recession is a common dental problem.

How the Gums Work

In the mouth, the gums cover the teeth and the jawbone and act as a seal to prevent food from getting in between the teeth and bacteria from settling deeper and inflaming the jawbone. In case of gum recession, the spaces in between and around the teeth open up allowing food and bacteria to trap deeper.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are a number of factors that can cause your gums to recede, including:

Periodontal or Gum Diseases

This is the main cause of gum recession. If periodontal or gum disease is not treated, the gums can separate from the teeth causing recessions and exposing the sensitive root surface.

Aggressive Tooth Brushing

If you brush your teeth too hard, use wrong brushing technique or abrasive whitening toothpaste.

Trauma to the Gum Tissue

It could be cause by over countered crowns and fillings, dental retainers.

Genetics

Some people are born with the thin type gums that are more likely to recede.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can cause more plaque retention, which causes bacterial gum inflammation.

Misaligned Teeth

When teeth do not come together at the same time the biting force is not evenly distributed and teeth receiving the most pressure get gum recession.

Lip or Tongue Piercing

Lip, tongue, and other oral piercings can cause constant mechanical irritation causing gum tissue to retract.

How is Gum Recession Treated?

Treatment is based on the reason for the recessions. Please call us for a free consultation to determine the reason and discuss your treatment plan. We may recommend nightguard for grinding, deep cleaning for gum disease, aligning crooked teeth, replacing defective crowns or fillings.