Are you experiencing sharp, shooting pains when you eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet foods? You’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that can make everyday activities uncomfortable.
While it might not always cause severe pain, tooth sensitivity can significantly impact your enjoyment of food and drinks. It can also be a sign of underlying dental issues that require attention.
Tooth sensitivity means your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. This happens because the inside part of your tooth is exposed.
Several factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, including:
The best way to get rid of tooth sensitivity depends on the severity of the sensitivity and its location. Here are some common options:
These toothpastes contain special ingredients that block the tiny tubules in your teeth, reducing pain.
Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and can help reduce sensitivity.
For exposed roots, we may apply a bonding material or sealant to protect them.
If gum recession is the issue, a gum graft may be necessary to cover the exposed roots.
If teeth grinding or clenching is a factor, we may recommend a mouthguard.
Dentists can pinpoint the root of the problem.
Dentists can recommend the most appropriate treatment options such as desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or other treatments.
Dentists provide early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
By addressing the root cause, a dentist can help you find effective relief from sensitive teeth.
"I had a great experience with Meridian Dental. Dr. Gurr was very informative and gentle. His staff was welcoming and kind. When I called to make an appointment for a sensitive tooth and was also in need cleaning I was able to make an appointment the next day. I inquired about a discount for cash pay because we have no dental insurance. They do have a cash pay discount but they directed me to the dental plans to help me save even more money. It took a couple minutes to sign up online with a one time yearly fee. The coverage was ready for my appointment. I had to have some extensive work done and the dental plan did save me much more than a cash discount would have."
“Great dentist office. I had a cleaning with Brooks and he was the most thorough hygienist I’ve ever had. He was considerate of my TMJ and sensitivity and made sure every single tooth was up to par. The massage chair is also a plus. Overall, great experience.”
“I had made an appointment for a regular cleaning, but my husband's tooth started hurting the same day I made the appointment(later that evening). So the next day I called to see if I could get him in early and they said, "No problem!" We were able to get in that very day as new patients, and they fix my husband's tooth problem. They also rescheduled our previously scheduled cleaning for that day since we were already there, which meant that we didnt have to make the hour drive to the office the following week! Super accommodating and really nice hygienist and dentist. Also really appreciated they gave us a cost estimate before any work was done so we knew beforehand and could make the decision to have work done or not. There was no sticker shock at the end. Office staff were also great! Overall really excellent customer service and felt they bent over backwards to accommodate us despite their busy schedule. Highly recommend Meridian Dental!”
“They got me in on a Sunday and did great work to get me out of pain!”
“It was our first visit to the office and they absolutely went above and beyond for me and my son. Everyone, from the front staff, to the dentist and his assistant, went well above basic service. We were in and out in record time and my son was out of pain. Would highly recommend!!”
“ They sure know how to make you relax! They use great technology and super comfy chairs and music. So pain free. Love the doc and the hygienists... just kind people”
We make getting a dental implant a breeze. This is what the process looks like:
Experiencing tooth sensitivity? Schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We’ll work with you to understand the cause of your sensitivity and explore the most effective treatment options to alleviate your discomfort.
Contact Meridian Dental todayCome enjoy the best that dentistry has to offer at Meridian Dental.
The Perfect Location for Your Smile! Centrally located in Wasilla, we offer convenient access to exceptional dental care.
Mon - Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Common causes include:
A dentist may recommend:
Sudden tooth sensitivity can occur due to several reasons, including:
If sensitivity appears suddenly and persists, it’s best to see a dentist for an evaluation.
Front tooth sensitivity may be caused by:
Using a desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding overly acidic or cold foods may help, but if the sensitivity lingers, a dental check-up is recommended.
Random tooth sensitivity can happen when enamel is thin, dentin is exposed, or nerves are irritated due to:
If the sensitivity comes and goes, it might not be serious, but if it persists, it should be checked by a dentist.
The duration of tooth sensitivity depends on the cause:
Tooth sensitivity to sugar is often caused by:
If sensitivity to sugar is a recurring problem, it’s important to see a dentist to rule out decay or other issues.
Heat sensitivity can indicate a deeper dental issue, such as:
If heat sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s essential to visit a dentist, as it could be a sign of nerve damage or infection.