Conveniently located to serve Gilbert & Chandler, AZ
Is a sip of hot coffee or a spoonful of ice cream a painful experience? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.
Having sensitive teeth is a condition that causes discomfort in your teeth when they are exposed to certain stimuli, such as hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks.
At Drs of Smiles in Mesa, Arizona, our team can treat your sensitive teeth. Whether you're in Mesa, Phoenix, or the surrounding areas, we can restore your comfort and protect your smile.
How Common Is It to Have Sensitive Teeth?
The American Academy of General Dentistry estimates that tooth sensitivity is a common issue for about 40 million Americans. This isn’t the occasional feeling when you bite into an ice cream cone, but sensitivity that is ongoing. It probably is in line with statistics that show one in five Americans haven’t been to the dentist in the last five years.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth may become sensitive if the inner layer of your teeth, called dentin, becomes exposed. There are thousands of tiny channels filled with nerves that lead to your tooth’s nerve center, which allow stimuli to reach the main nerve in your tooth. When these channels are unprotected by the outer layer of your tooth, it can lead to severe pain when the nerves become exposed to stimuli such as hot or cold temperatures.
Some factors, which may contribute to sensitive teeth, include:
- Dental cavities
- Cracked tooth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth roots
- Receding gum line
- Gum disease
- Tooth whitening products
- Tooth decay near the gum line
- Brushing too hard
- Erosion at the gumline caused by abfraction (flexing) of the tooth due to a heavy bite
Treatments to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Our Mesa dentists may recommend the following treatments for your sensitive teeth:
- Desensitizing toothpaste – Regular brushing with desensitizing toothpaste can help eliminate the pain you are experiencing.
- Fluoridated dental products – Prescription mouthwashes and toothpastes containing a higher concentration of fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Avoid teeth grinding – If you regularly grind your teeth while you sleep, use a mouth guard to prevent this grinding from damaging your teeth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – This will help reduce gum irritation and abrasion to the surface of your teeth. Make sure you brush gently but thoroughly around the gums in order to prevent your gum line from receding further.
- Cover exposed root surfaces – Dr. Glenn LeSueur may use a special sealant to cover any exposed tooth roots that are causing your sensitivity.
If none of these treatments help eliminate your sensitive teeth, then we may recommend a root canal to remove any tooth pulp problems that may be causing your sensitivity.
What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Sensitive Teeth?
If tooth sensitivity isn’t treated, it can lead to more significant dental issues. Here’s what could happen:
- Gum Recession: Exposed tooth roots are vulnerable to decay, as they lack the enamel protection found on the crowns.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding can wear down enamel, increasing sensitivity and leading to cracks or damage.
- Chips, Cracks, or Cavities: These issues causing sensitivity will worsen over time without treatment.
- Persistent Discomfort: Sensitivity caused by enamel erosion or root exposure won’t resolve without professional intervention.
Early treatment helps prevent complications and protects your teeth from further damage.
Why Choose Drs of Smiles?
Our dentists at Drs of Smiles use their expertise and hands-on experience to provide the highest level of care. Dr. Glenn LeSueur, a graduate of the University of Southern California, brings advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), specializing in TMJ treatment, Invisalign®, dental implants, and porcelain veneers.
Our office includes amenities like NuCalm relaxation, pillows, and heating pads, and advanced services such as custom porcelain restorations and white composite fillings. From family dental care to complex restorative treatments, our team has the skills & knowledge to provide custom care for all of our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read what our patients are saying!
"Dr. Glenn and Jamie were outstanding!! I haven’t been to a dentist in a very long time and they both made me feel so at ease and comfortable. I was so pleasantly surprised at how wonderful the experience was for me. I am very grateful to the both of them and also your staff at the front office. They were so nice and professional. Thank you."
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Schedule a Consultation
If you want to learn more about sensitive teeth, come visit one of our dentists in Phoenix and let us evaluate your teeth. To schedule your consultation, call 480.834.6991.
Dr. Glenn LeSueur serves Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona.