Our Novato Dentist Shares Information About Tooth Sensitivity: Causes & Solutions

Written by Dr. McConnell on Feb 1, 2022

Increased instances of dental sensitivity and tooth pain can be more than simply an annoyance or inconvenience; chronic discomfort may be a sign that you are dealing with an ongoing oral health issue. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of dental discomfort from our Novato dentists

Dental Infections

Cavities form when oral bacteria get into your teeth and start eating away at the enamel and dentin. Bacteria break down healthy layer after healthy layer until they reach the dental core, where sensitive tooth nerves are housed. Effective treatment allows our team to remove damage dental tissue, and then repair and restore the tooth so that the nerves are protected again.

Dental Enamel Erosion

You may also experience increased rates of sensitivity if your dental enamel is starting to thin and wear away. Things like acid exposure, dental grinding, and overly abrasive brushing can all lead to weakened, thin enamel. Preventive treatment can help you protect your existing dental enamel, and preserve it as much as possible.

Gum Disease Discomfort

When your gum tissue starts to pull away from your teeth due to infection, the sensitive dental nerves in the root of your tooth can become irritated and inflamed. The goal of periodontal treatment is to foster gum tissue regeneration, so that you once again a have a barrier of natural gum tissue protecting your tooth roots.

If you notice that your teeth feel more sensitive than they used to, this could be a sign that your oral health is being negatively affected. Please don’t hesitate to call our Novato dentists for an assessment and support—we’re here to help you!