Request an Appointment

Toggle navigation
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Yelp

5055 N M-37 MESICK, MI 49668
(231) 885-1711

  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • Why Choose Us
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
    • Educational Videos
    • Post Op Instructions
  • Reviews

Tooth Sensitivity

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Tooth sensitivity.If your teeth seem especially sensitive after you brush them or when you consume certain foods or beverages, you're hardly alone: By one estimate, around 35 percent of the U.S. population experiences some degree of tooth sensitivity. While the difference between sensitivity and pain may be somewhat blurry, we can say that sensitive teeth usually produce discomfort in response to a stimulus like temperature, pressure, or even the sweetness of particular foods. What causes tooth sensitivity — and what should you do about it?

In general, tooth sensitivity results when dentin, the living tissue that makes up most of the “body” of the tooth, begins transmitting sensations to nerves deep in the tooth's inner core. The nerves relay these sensations to the brain, and they're felt as pain. To understand how this works, let's take an even closer look at your teeth.

Tooth Anatomy 101

Blowup of Dentin.

Dentin is a sturdy, calcified tissue, that can't usually be seen. It's normally covered by super-hard enamel on the visible part of the tooth (the crown), and by softer tissue called cementum on the tooth's roots (which typically lie below the gum line). The dentin itself is composed of many tiny tubules. When these tubules become exposed to the environment of the mouth, tooth sensitivity and pain may result.

There are several reasons why the dentin can become exposed. For one, the gums may recede (shrink down), revealing some of the tooth's root surfaces. This can be caused by genetic factors, periodontal disease, excessively vigorous brushing — or a combination of all three. This problem may be worsened if the tooth's roots weren't completely covered by cementum during their development, as sometimes occurs.

Another factor that may contribute to sensitivity is the erosion of tooth surfaces due to excessive acid in the diet. While acids occur naturally in the mouth, habitually drinking sodas and sports drinks can severely erode teeth — and brushing soon after you drink actually worsens the effect. That's because these acids soften the outer surfaces of the teeth, and brushing then makes it easy to wear them away. It's best to wait for an hour afterwards, to give your saliva a chance to neutralize the acid.

Tooth Decay.Tooth decay can also cause sensitivity. Decay may not only expose dentin, but can work its way down to the nerves themselves — at which point, your pain level may escalate. And sometimes, even dental work itself can cause sensitivity. Because the same tooth structures are involved, it may sometimes take a few days after a cavity is filled, for example, for a tooth to “calm down.”

Dealing With Tooth Sensitivity

What can you do about sensitive teeth? If it's a relatively minor irritation, try not to brush the affected teeth too long or hard. Make sure you're using a soft-bristled brush and the proper, gentle brushing technique. Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride, as this ingredient is proven to increase the strength of tooth enamel, which helps resist erosion. You can also try a toothpaste with ingredients designed especially for sensitive teeth, such as potassium. Studies show that these can be effective… but it may take approximately 4 – 6 weeks for you to notice the difference.

If sensitivity persists, however — or if your tooth pain becomes more intense — don't wait to get an examination to determine what's causing the problem. Once diagnosed, the most appropriate way to reduce the sensitivity will be recommended. Some treatments may include concentrated fluoride varnishes, prescription mouthrinses, or materials that are bonded to the outer surfaces of teeth. But tooth sensitivity may also be an early warning sign of other dental problems — and the sooner they're taken care of, the better off you'll be!

Related Articles

Tooth Sensitivity - Dear Doctor Magazine

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity As many as 35% of the U.S. population suffers from tooth sensitivity. Causes include overly aggressive brushing, which causes the gum tissue to recede exposing the root surfaces of the teeth; and acidic beverages, which erode the teeth. Fortunately, there are products available for use at home or in the dental office that can help... Read Article

Sensitive Teeth - Dear Doctor Magazine

Sensitive Teeth Tooth sensitivity — to hot or cold, for example — is often a problem where the gums have receded, exposing the root surfaces of the teeth. These areas of the teeth have sensitive nerve fibers. Find out what steps you can take to minimize this problem... Read Article

Toothache - Dear Doctor Magazine

A Severe Toothache You may think a painful toothache that goes away on its own is no longer cause for concern. However, it's still worth a visit to the dentist. The disappearance of pain could mean that the nerve tissue deep inside the tooth has died, yet an infection is still present... Read Article


Learn More

  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dentures
  • Dental Implants
  • Smile Makeover

Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Educational Videos
  • Cosmetic & General Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
    • Crowns & Bridgework
    • Fillings
    • Gummy Smiles
    • Inlays & Onlays
    • Mouthguards for Adults
    • Mouthguards for Children
    • Nitrous Oxide
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Removable Dentures
    • Smile Makeover
    • Snoring & Sleep Apnea
    • Teeth Whitening
    • TMD
    • Tooth-Colored Fillings
    • Tooth Contouring & Reshaping
    • Tooth Decay Prevention
    • Tooth Wear
  • Emergency Care
    • Gum Injuries
    • Orthodontic Emergencies
    • Tooth Pain
    • Traumatic Dental Injuries
  • Endodontics
    • Combined Root Canal & Gum Problems
    • Cracked Teeth
    • Root Canal Retreatment
    • Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy)
    • Root Canal Treatment
    • Root Canal Treatment FAQs
    • Root Canal Treatment for Children
    • Tooth Sensitivity
    • Whitening Traumatized Teeth
  • Implant Dentistry
    • Bone Grafting
    • Dental Implants FAQs
    • Fixed Dentures
    • Hidden Consequences of Losing Teeth
    • Top Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
  • Oral Health
    • Aging & Dental Health
    • Antibiotic Premedicationfor Dental Treatments
    • Bad Breath
    • Blood Pressure Medications & Your Gums
    • Diabetes & Oral Health
    • Dry Mouth
    • Eating Disorders & Oral Health
    • Fluoride
    • Geographic Tongue
    • Missing Teeth
    • Nutrition & Oral Health
    • Oral Cancer
    • Oral Piercings
    • Osteoporosis & Oral Health
    • Pregnancy, Hormones & Oral Health
    • Preventive Dentistry
    • Professional Teeth Cleanings
    • Stress & Oral Habits
  • Oral Hygiene
    • How To Brush
    • How To Floss
    • Interdental Cleaning Devices
    • Mouthrinses
    • Oral Hygiene for Kids
    • Tips to Prevent Cavities
    • Toothpaste
  • Oral Surgery
    • Blood Thinners & Dental Procedures
    • Bone Grafting
    • Cleft Lip & Palate Repair
    • Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery
    • Extractions
    • Facial Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Headaches & Migraines
    • Oral Cancer Screening
    • Oral Diagnosis and Biopsies
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Sinus Surgery
    • Wisdom Teeth
  • Orthodontics
    • Adolescent Orthodontic Care
    • Adult Orthodontic Treatment
    • Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Early Orthodontic Treatment
    • Invisalign for Adults
    • Invisalign for Teens
    • Post-Orthodontic Care
    • Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)
    • Thumb & Finger Appliances
    • Types of Braces
    • Orthodontic Emergencies
    • Orthodontic FAQs
    • Orthodontic Headgear
    • Orthodontics & Dental Hygiene
    • Your First Orthodontic Appointment
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Age One Dental Visit
    • Fluoride & Your Child
    • Nitrous Oxide for Children
    • Pregnancy & Your Child's Developing Teeth
    • Sealants
    • Sleep Apnea & Behavior Problems in Children
    • Space Maintainers
    • Teething
    • Thumb Sucking
  • Periodontal Therapy
    • Cosmetic Gum Surgery
    • Gum Grafting
    • Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
    • Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
    • Oral Systemic Connection
    • Periodontal (Gum) Disease
    • Periodontal Flap Surgery
    • Professional Teeth Cleanings
    • Ultrasonic Cleanings
  • Technology
    • Air Abrasion
    • Anesthesia Wand
    • Cone Beam CT Imaging
    • Digital Dental Impressions
    • Digital X-Rays
    • Intra-Oral Camera
    • Laser Decay Diagnosis
    • Laser Dentistry
    • Same-Day Crowns (CAD/CAM)

Our Location

5055 N M-37
Mesick, MI 49668
(231) 885-1711

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: By Appointment only
Tuesday: By Appointment only
Wednesday: By Appointment only
Thursday: By Appointment only
Friday: By Appointment only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

 

Mesick Dental is happy to provide a  Dental $avings Plan for those without dental insurance! Total savings per member is over $100 per year. Membership includes 2 yearly cleanings, 2 exams and oral cancer screening and a set of x-rays PLUS discounts on many other procedures. Request a brochure for more information about our Dental $avings Plan.   

     Dental Savings Plan

 

Dentist - Mesick, Mesick Dental Center & Denture Care, 5055 N M-37, Mesick, MI 49668 (231) 885-1711

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Website Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map