If you wince every time you have a spoonful of hot stew or enjoy some ice-cream, you could be suffering from sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity may develop over time or due to specific dental problems like receding gums and thinning tooth enamel. Heightened sensitivity can interfere with our enjoyment of foods and cause discomfort on a day-to-day basis. If you experience sensitive teeth, please contact our dentist near you for evaluation and treatment.

Why does tooth sensitivity occur, and what can you do to address the problem?

Why Your Tooth Becomes Sensitive

A tooth starts becoming sensitive when the enamel starts thinning down due to natural aging, mineral loss, abrasive brushing, or genetics. As the enamel wears down, the soft inner layer known as the dentin layer becomes exposed, causing your tooth to become sensitive. A tooth may also become sensitive due to a receding gum line. The dentine is connected to the pulp chamber of the tooth, which houses nerves and blood vessels. When we consume something hot or cold, these nerves get stimulated, and this results in heightened sensitivity. Only a professional dentist can confirm if you have sensitivity. If you experience discomfort or sensitivity, please contact Glen J. Graffeo DDS for our range of in-office treatments.

Common Triggers for Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is often triggered by the following:

• Consuming hot/cold foods and hot/cold drinks
• Breathing in cold air through your mouth
• Consuming sour or sugary foods
• Untreated tooth decay (the acids released by oral bacteria break down enamel and dentine)

Our skilled dentist in New York, NY will assess your oral cavity and take x-rays to diagnose the root cause.

Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity

The dentist may treat the tooth with a filling, crown, or bonding material, depending on the extent of the decay. If you have receding gums, we may perform a gum grafting procedure to add gingival tissue to the area. Persistent and chronic sensitivity may indicate severe decay, and you need a root canal treatment. If you experience tooth sensitivity, please contact Glen J. Graffeo DDS for diagnosis and treatment.