Do you cringe every time you bite into something extremely cold or extremely hot. If you have sensitive teeth, trigger foods include not only hot and cold, but also sweet and sour consumables. Houston dentist, Dr. Gennero, is here to help patients through tooth sensitivity so that you can enjoy all of your favorite meals and beverages without bristling.
Reasons for Sensitive Smiles
Ideally, the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) is sufficient enough to create an impenetrable barrier between the sensitive under workings of your teeth and anything you consume. Unfortunately, enamel can become temporarily softened or permanently damaged, leading to direct contact between hot and cold substances and the layer underneath the enamel, called dentin. Dentin has tubules within it which are responsible for transmitting temperature sensations to the nerves inside your teeth. For a person with sensitive teeth, some degree of dentin exposure or gum recession is usually the cause, so trigger foods literally get on their nerves.
Brushing with Care
You might think that staving off tooth sensitivity is simple if you just keep up your regular tooth brushing routine, but you do need to strike a balance. While periodontal disease and cavities are often direct results of poor brushing habits, you are also at risk for sensitive teeth if you brush too aggressively or too often. Brushing too frequently is nearly as damaging as not brushing enough. Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush which can also wear down your tooth enamel and damage your gums.
Visit your Houston Dentist
If you have sensitive teeth, soft-bristled toothbrushes and desensitizing toothpastes are a good place to start. Going to see Dr. Gennero every six months for an exam and cleaning is another great idea. Dr. Gennero can assess your particular situation and recommend specific oral health care products which might offer some relief. If biting into a popsicle has you clutching your jaw in discomfort, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gennero. Call our Houston dentist office at (281) 578-6200. We offer a variety of dentistry services to patients from the West Houston and Katy areas.