Does it hurt to eat hard or crunchy foods? Do you feel pain after brushing and flossing? You most likely have tooth sensitivity, a common yet highly painful problem. There are many causes of toothaches and tooth sensitivity. We will explore the causes and treatments for tooth sensitivity that we offer in our Lititz, PA, dental office. Our team can help patients find the source of their tooth sensitivity and discover the right solutions to relieve their pain and discomfort.
Tooth Sensitivity in Lititz, PA
There are many common causes of sensitive teeth, including:
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a common symptom of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Patients with TMD often feel pain in their jaw, face, and teeth. Additionally, patients can unconsciously clench and grind their teeth when asleep. Constant pressure on the teeth can cause dental damage, headaches, and tooth pain.
Wearing a customized nightguard can relieve tooth pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorders. Unlike rubbery store-bought nightguards, acrylic nightguards prevent patients from biting and chewing on their oral appliances. The acrylic nightguard also relieves pressure from the jaw joints and muscles.
Oral Hygiene Habits
If you brush your teeth too aggressively, you may experience bleeding gums, tooth wear, and tooth sensitivity. Aggressive brushing can wear down the tooth enamel and expose the dentin. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth. Dentin is the dark underlayer beneath the enamel. Patients with dental erosion due to their oral hygiene habits can experience toothaches and sensitivity.
Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are effective cosmetic treatments if patients have worn sensitive teeth. Bonding and veneers cover and improve the appearance of teeth. These cosmetic options also help teeth appear brighter and straighter.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
A crack or chip in the tooth can cause tooth sensitivity or pain. If a dental injury reaches the inside of the tooth, patients may be more prone to cavities and tooth decay. For small injuries, we recommend dental bonding treatment. Bonding uses biocomposite material that we sculpt onto prepared teeth. For larger injuries, we recommend a dental crown. A crown fully covers teeth and protects the enamel from further damage.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a common dental problem for many patients. Gum disease can begin with gingivitis or gum inflammation. Harmful bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissue, causing gum and tooth sensitivity. Over time, patients can experience loose teeth and gum recession.
We offer deep cleaning treatments to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, gums, and tooth roots. Removing bacterial buildup on a regular basis can prevent pain, sensitivity, and more severe symptoms.
Have you noticed pain or sensitivity? You can request a dental appointment with Dr. Sara Gotwalt online or call [new_patient_phone_span]. We welcome patients to ask us questions about htier symptoms so we can find the best treatment for their needs.