Poway dentist recommends comprehensive care when tending to sensitive teeth

Many Americans have sensitive teeth, and you’ll know if you’re one of them if your teeth tingle or have pain when eating hot or cold foods. Tooth sensitivity is a very common dental problem among many San Diego residents as well – our office often sees patients complaining of instant tooth pains when eating certain foods, or even while brushing, flossing, or eating certain kinds of foods like acidic items.

The good news is that pain from sensitive teeth usually comes and goes, and generally does not last longer than a few moments while eating certain foods. If your pain, however, lingers for longer than the time it takes to eat certain foods, talk to a Poway dentist as soon as possible in case the condition is something other than tooth sensitivity.

How tooth sensitivity can affect you

As the experts at Crest report, tooth sensitivity can often make an inconvenient dent in the day’s activities since we eat, drink, and brush our teeth on a daily basis. There’s no getting around it for most people: no matter what kinds of foods you may try to avoid, a hot, cold or acidic food seems to creep up on the daily menu even with the most cautious person. And unfortunately, sensitive teeth can also lead to an uncomfortable experience at the dentist in Poway.

So, how does tooth sensitivity come about, anyhow?

In healthy teeth, a part of the natural tooth called dentin is protected by your tooth enamel and your gums. Dentin is a porous tissue, so the more protection it receives, the better the patient can handle tricky foods like ice cream, coffee, or apples. However, once the dentin becomes exposed due to erosion, a chipped tooth, or receding gums, the onslaught of sensitivity problems usually begin. Patients know if their dentin is exposed when pain is triggered while eating certain foods.

How you can avoid sensitive teeth

You can avoid tooth sensitivity by following some simple suggestions from our friends at Crest. If you’re already experiencing sensitivity, talk to a dentist in Poway to see what solutions are available for your specific condition.

·         Brushing your teeth too hard. There’s a reason why toothbrushes come in mainly soft to medium bristles. Enamel, while naturally a hard material, can soften or erode over time, leading to increased sensitivity once it is thin or completely gone.

·         Age. Your teeth, like the rest of your body, can undergo various changes throughout your life cycle. Sensitivity can often depend on your age – talk to a dentist for more information on how your age can affect the overall health and protection of your teeth.

·         Eating the ‘culprit’ foods. Eating acidic foods can lead to increased sensitivity in due time since their potency can often cause enamel to erode.

Concerns or questions about tooth sensitivity? Call Dr. Coleman at (858) 748-4802 to set up a consultation for a custom solution for your tooth sensitivity issue. Dr. Coleman, one of Poway’s best dentists, is conveniently located at 12324 Oak Knoll Rd. in Poway.