If you’ve ever bitten into a sweet treat or experienced a searing sensation when enjoy hot or cold beverages, you may automatically assume that you have a cavity that has formed. But did you know that this can also happen if you have sensitive teeth? It is not uncommon for patients to have sensitive teeth, noticing sensations that are uncomfortable when enjoying some of their favorite foods and drinks. By talking with a Scottsdale, AZ dentist such as Dr. Eric Wiitala, patients have the ability to address this issue. But first, Dr. Eric Wiitala will want to discover the cause of the issue to help patients in finding the right solution.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

There are several factors that can contribute to sensitive teeth.

• Thin enamel. Some patients just have more sensitive teeth than others due to thinner enamel. The enamel of a tooth is the hard outer layer. It protects your teeth, but can be worn down with time due to brushing too hard. Patients with thin enamel from aggressive brushing will want to be gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to care for their smile.
• Bleached teeth. Using tooth whitening products can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity of the teeth due to the ingredients used to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. This often goes away after a few days, and shouldn’t be of great concern.
• Bruxism. Patients with bruxism will clench and grind their teeth at night when they sleep. This can wear down enamel and also cause damage to the surrounding teeth, such as breakage and enamel wear. A mouth guard at night can resolve this issue while reducing chronic headaches and jaw pain often associated with this condition.
• Gum recession. As we age, we may experience natural gum recession that exposes the layer of dentin underneath the enamel. This can expose the nerves of the teeth, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

Call Dr. Eric Wiitala and his team today

Patients in the Scottsdale, AZ area who are interested in learning more about tooth sensitivity and combatting this uncomfortable issue are encouraged to book a consultation visit with our team today. We are located at 9755 North 90th Street and accept new and returning patients who call for an appointment at (480) 657-6981.