Tag: tooth sensitivity

Did you know that dental erosion can affect patients of all ages? Dental erosion does not happen overnight, but it can have serious consequences if left untreated. What is dental erosion and why is it an issue? Dental erosion begins when acids wear down the outer protective layer of your teeth, called enamel. If left untreated, erosion slowly weakens your teeth, making them more susceptible to issues such as sensitivity, cavities, and fracture. What causes erosion? Certain medications and medical conditions can contribute to erosion, such as acid reflux and some asthma or antihistamine medications. However, consumption of acidic foods Read More →

As a hygienist, I am asked daily what a patient can do about sensitive teeth. First, we need to understand the basics of what may cause tooth sensitivity. Recession is the most common cause I find here at the office. Recession can be described as an area near the gum line of a tooth where the gums have “pulled away” or receded from the tooth. This process exposes the root of the tooth, causing several nerve endings to be exposed. If you look closely, you can sometimes see a yellow or dark gray color where the root is exposed. As a Read More →