Top 5 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
If you’re one of the 40 million Americans with sensitive teeth, you must be familiar with the painful zing that follows a hot drink, a bite of ice cream, or just a deep breath of cold air. These and other elements can cause a sudden discomfort if you have sensitive teeth, also called dentin hypersensitivity.
Each of your teeth has an important protected layer called enamel. If your enamel gets worn down, your teeth can become more sensitive over time. Your enamel is the visible, white part of the tooth and it protects the softer, inner layers of each tooth. Receding gums[LINK] can also reveal sensitive parts of the tooth that aren’t protected by enamel.
If you’re living with sensitive teeth, it’s good to know what causes the pain and how to avoid it. You should also talk with Portland dentist Dr. David Case about how to treat sensitive teeth and prevent further damage to your enamel or gums.