Think you have to live with sensitive teeth? Not so!

If you experience pain while eating your favorite foods, or drinking your morning coffee, we can help. The sensitivity is often caused by common problems such as newly forming cavities, weak tooth enamel, gum disease or fillings that need to be replaced. Healthy teeth have a protective layer that keeps heat and cold, as well as acidic and sticky foods away from the nerve at the root. Worn tooth enamel or receding gums can lead to hypersensitivity.

To prevent problems with sensitive teeth, good oral hygiene that includes a regular regimen of brushing and flossing is recommended. But sometimes tooth sensitivity can make those activities painful and add to the problem.

So what can you do? Talk to your dentist! Sensitive teeth can be treated with fluoride gel to strengthen tooth enamel, or new dental work — such as a crown, inlay or bonding — to fix worn fillings. Milder cases can often be treated with desensitizing toothpastes. In severe cases of tooth pain, you may need a root canal to remove the nerve.

Finally, sensitivity is a common problem that almost everyone experiences at some point. Read here for more information from the American Dental Association about sensitive teeth, then be sure to follow-up by making an appointment to visit your dentist with any additional questions!