Do you have sensitive teeth? Complaints about sensitivity are one of the most common reasons people seek dental treatment.

Teeth become sensitive because the dentin, the inner part of the tooth made up of tiny tubules, has become exposed. These tubules lead straight to the nerve and when the tooth is exposed to heat, cold, air, sweet, sour, almost anything – pain is created. Anyone who has experienced the short, sharp pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity knows exactly what I am talking about.

Why do teeth develop this problem? The dentin can be exposed in any number of ways –

• Dental enamel damaged by acids in soft drinks or energy drinks
• Receding gums can expose dentin
• Old, broken or leaking fillings
• Tooth decay, chipped teeth or a cracked tooth
• Erosion of dental enamel by brushing too aggressively, using abrasive toothpastes or over-bleaching teeth
• Bruxism or grinding the teeth

Some of these conditions can be resolved completely. But once dental enamel has been damaged it cannot repair itself. There are ways of managing sensitivity and new products for the relief of this condition are coming to market all of the time.

Don’t suffer sensitive teeth in silence. Let us know that you are experiencing so that we can correctly diagnose the reason for the sensitivity and make you more comfortable. Please contact Columbus cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment.