Oh boy, am I thirsty. This ice-cold glass of water is exactly what I need. Ouch! What was that? You ignore the sharp pain coursing through your tooth. So you take another sip…Ouch! What is going on?
Does the above scenario sound familiar to you? If so, you may have Sensitive Teeth. But why? Well the reasons vary from receding gums to the overuse of teeth whitening chemicals to diets high in acidic beverages to enamel erosion to overaggressive brushing. No matter the reason, the outcome is the same; the root structure of one or more teeth has become exposed.
Typically covered by the gums, the dentin layer contains millions of tiny tubules (or tubes), each of which is connected to a nerve ending. When exposed, these tiny tubules are rather sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Viola. Pain.
But don’t worry; you are not alone. According to a new survey published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth. In fact, everyone is at risk, though certain groups are at an increased risk. These groups include:
- Adults between 18 and 44 were 3.5 times more likely than older adults to have sensitive teeth.
- Women are 1.8 times more likely than men to have sensitive teeth.
- Additional at risks groups include: those with receding gums and those who perform at-home tooth whitening.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about possible treatment options. At Leikin and Baylin Dental Care in Catonsville, Maryland, our team of caring health professionals provides unparalleled dental excellence. We treat our patients as members of the family. And since most procedures are performed in our office, our patients rarely need to leave our careful eye.
If you have any questions about Sensitive Teeth, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
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