You can’t wait to dive into the delicious bowl of hot soup or the cone of fudge ice cream you just bought, but the discomfort or pain you experience the minute you take a mouthful takes away all the joy.

This discomfort caused by cold or hot foods is one of the signs of a tooth cavity, but it is also experienced by people with sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity, referred to as dentin hypersensitivity, could be chronic or temporary. It could affect multiple teeth or a single tooth.

There could be multiple causes of teeth sensitivity. However, the good news is that an experienced Texas oral surgery specialist can create the right treatment plan for you after examining your teeth. Let’s have a closer look at the signs, causes, and remedies for sensitive teeth. 

Signs Indicating Teeth Sensitivity 

The major sign is pain or soreness in your teeth due to certain triggers. , often cold liquids. However, there are some other signs and symptoms that could occur if you have sensitive teeth, including:

  • Swelling or redness of gums
  • Receding or bleeding gums
  • Discharge or pusdrainage
  • Changes in taste
  • Bad breath

These symptoms might come and go and could range from mild to intense. 

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Some individuals have more sensitive teeth than others because of a thinner enamel, which is the protective layer of a tooth. The sensitivity can increase when the enamel is worn down due to:

  • Aggressive brushing
  • Brushing with a hard toothbrush
  • Teeth grinding 
  • Excessive consumption of acidic beverages or foods

Moreover, the tooth sensitivity could also be temporarily caused due to other conditions. For instance, if you recently had a wisdom tooth extraction surgery, your teeth might be more sensitive than usual for a specific short time. Some conditions that could increase the sensitivity of the tooth include:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  • Gum recession leading to exposed roots 
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Worn-down teeth, crowns or fillings

You must consult your oral surgery specialist to determine the cause and find the right treatment.

Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity 

Depending on your condition, the the dentist or an oral specialist would recommend the right treatment. Usually, these remedies might include:

  • You may have to use desensitizing toothpaste that helps in blocking pain linked with sensitive teeth. 
  • The oral specialist dentist may apply fluoride on sensitive teeth or affected areas. This will help in strengthening the enamel of your tooth and decrease the pain and discomfort. They would also recommend using fluoride at home for a specific time. 
  • Bonding or desensitizing resin might be applied by a dentist to the exposed roots to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. This treatment requires using a local anesthetic. 
  • In case the root has lost gum tissues, the oral surgeon would may conduct a gum graft surgery. This process includes taking a certain amount of gum tissues from another area in your mouth and placed to the affected part. It helps protect the exposed roots and reducing tooth sensitivity. 
  • If the teeth sensitivity is causing extreme pain and nothing else is working, the oral surgeon will may recommend getting a root canal. It is a procedure to treat issues in the dental pulp of the tooth. It might seem like a significant procedure, but it is the best way of eliminating tooth sensitivity. As a last resort, the tooth may need to be extracted. The good news is that teeth can be predictably replaced with dental implants to restore your bite and smile.

Tooth sensitivity can cause stress and discomfort in your lifestyle, which is why it is wise to consult an experienced oral surgeon for immediate treatment. You can make your appointment today to consult with our oral specialists. 

About the Authors

Texas oral surgery specialists, Dr. Chris Tye, MD, DDS & Dr. Andrew Sohn, MD, DMD, are board-certified oral surgeons located in Colleyville, TX, serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and North Texas.