Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Denver and Lakewood, Colorado

If you have sensitive teeth, you know it can be a painful problem You may find yourself limiting your diet to avoid cold, hot, sweet, or sour foods You may spend your money on special toothpaste and other products only to find your teeth still give you pain. You may also wonder what in the world makes your teeth so sensitive.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by exposure of the dentin layer of your teeth Dentin is the layer underneath the protective enamel of your teeth The pain is the result of a stimulus (food or drink) hitting the nerve at the center of the tooth via the thousands of channels in the porous dentin layer. The nerve then sends a pain signal to the brain.

The dentin layer can become exposed for a variety of reasons Receding gums due to gum disease or brushing too hard is one major cause When the gum line recedes, it exposes the dentin at the root of the tooth Brushing too hard and the acidic excretions of gum disease bacteria also wear away the enamel layer, which can also expose the dentin layer.

Cavities and cracked or broken teeth can also lead to sensitive teeth. The cracks provide a habitat for bacteria to multiply, where they degrade the enamel until they reach the dentin Dr. Greenhalgh, an experienced Denver cosmetic dentist can repair the damage and take away the bacteria’s living environment with white fillings, dental crowns, or sealants.

Dr. Greenhalgh can also replace or repair old fillings and other dental work that has come loose or shifted. Spaces around old fillings or crowns are another place bacteria love to congregate and attack your teeth Dr. Greenhalgh is a dentist with more than 20 years of experience, so you can be assured that your cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, or general dentistry procedure will be done right and will last.

If you are suffering with sensitive teeth, Dr. Greenhalgh will educate you about your options, and may suggest a white filling or sealant to protect the exposed root or dentin and relieve your pain.

If you have sensitive teeth and would like to know what a cosmetic dentist in the Denver/Lakewood area can do for you, please contact Scott Greenhalgh, DDS and schedule a consultation.

3190 South Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 | Lakewood, CO 80227

Phone. 800-757-6680 | Fax. 303-479-7599 | Contact Us

Office Hours:
Monday: closed Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.