Chandler AZ Dentist Explains Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity TreatmentWhy Eating Ice Cream Hurts

Tooth sensitivity can keep you from comfortably eating the foods you love because hot or cold temperatures feel painful in contact with your teeth. For people with extreme tooth sensitivity, even breathing hot or cold air may feel like a toothache. Tooth sensitivity is often a sign of underlying dental issues. Our Chandler dentist, Dr. Arooni will explain some of the reasons why you may be feeing toothache.

Strong Tooth Enamel is Essential to Healthy Teeth

To explain how tooth sensitivity occurs, here is some brief information about the structure of the tooth. In the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp center houses all of your tooth’s nerves, blood cells, and living tissue. The layer above the tooth pulp is the dentin. This softer layer is made of microscopic tubes which transmit pressure and temperature sensations to the tooth pulp. Protecting the soft layer of dentin is the hardest tissue your body can create, enamel. This harder-than-platinum layer on the outside of your tooth protects the sensitive interior from tooth decay and extreme heat or cold. When certain dental issues wear away tooth enamel, your smile has less defense against bacteria and acid erosion.

Common Causes of Enamel Erosion

Weakened tooth enamel can leave your mouth at risk of excessive tooth decay and even chipping or cracking. Understanding the habits or dental conditions that harm your tooth enamel can help you take steps to protect your smile defenses. Here are some causes of weakened tooth enamel:

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • TMJ disorder
  • Harsh brushing or using hard-bristled toothbrushes
  • Excessive teeth whitening
  • Eating too much sugar
  • Drinking acidic beverages
  • Untreated tooth decay
  • Forgetting to floss
  • Bulimia or excessive vomiting

Protecting Tooth Enamel in Chandler

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, our Chandler dentist, Dr. Arooni can help you reclaim tooth enamel strength with dental cleanings and fluoride treatments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Chandler dental office at (480)855-1200. We proudly serve patients from Guadalupe, Mesa, Sun Tan Valley, and Tempe, AZ.

By Mark Arooni DDS