Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Dentist Chicago | How to Deal with Sensitive Teeth

Dentist Near Me

Tooth sensitivity is a condition that can make everyday activities such as eating, drinking, and even walking outside in colder weather painful and unpleasant. If you frequently experience a sharp burst of pain in your teeth when drinking coffee, eating ice cream or being hit by a gust of cold air, sensitive teeth may be the cause. Sensitive teeth are a common, though frustrating issue. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) estimates that up to 40 million adults in the United States suffer from this condition.

The primary cause of sensitive teeth is thinning of the enamel, the hard covering that protects teeth from damage. Thinning of the enamel exposes the dentin within teeth, which is full of nerve endings. Exposed nerve endings are the reason you can feel a sudden flash of pain when enjoying your favorite ice cream.

Fortunately, sensitive teeth are a treatable condition. Here are some of your options for managing sensitive teeth.

Adjust your brushing habits

Tooth sensitivity may be reduced by a simple change in your daily brushing habits. Switching to a softer toothbrush should be one of your first steps. Brushes with hard bristles can aggravate your teeth, increasing sensitivity and discomfort. Likewise, scrubbing teeth aggressively can hasten damage to the tissue covering the roots of your teeth and increase sensitivity. Be sure to brush gently for a full two minutes at least twice daily.

Try a special toothpaste

Toothpastes made to treat sensitive teeth can be a helpful remedy. These toothpastes can be purchased over the counter and contain ingredients designed to help protect your teeth. It is important to use the toothpaste regularly to see improvement.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks

Soda, citrus and red wine are some of the acidic biggest offenders. If you cannot fully avoid acidic foods and beverages, be sure to brush twenty minutes after consumption. Be aware that brushing immediately after can actually increase sensitivity, so it is better to rinse your mouth and allow sufficient time for the acids to be neutralized by your saliva before brushing.

Surgical solutions

In some cases, surgical solutions may be recommended to treat the underlying cause of your teeth sensitivity. If you have receding gums, tissue grafts can help protect your teeth roots and reduce sensitivity. Inlays, crowns and bonding may also be options if there is damage to your teeth that is causing or exacerbating your sensitivity.

Speak with our dentist to determine what type of treatment is best for your sensitivity. Contact our office for your consultation.

Dental Dream Team
820 East 87th Street Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 488-3738

Visit Us

South Side Chicago Dentist
820 East 87th Street Suite 201,
Chicago, IL 60619

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only

Contact Us

Yetta G. McCullom, D.D.S., M.S. (773) 488-3738
Cornell McCullom III, D.D.S., M.D. (773) 488-3738
Robin L. Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C. (773) 488-9075

In The News

South Side Chicago Dentist

  • ABC News
  • WVON - The Talk of Chicago
  • Healthfront
  • WCIU The U
  • WH - The Wellness Hour

Read Our Dental News

South Side Chicago Dentist

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? Chatham Chicago IL Dentist

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? Chatham Chicago IL Dentist

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow…

Read More >
May 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Should I Be Concerned About A Thumb Sucking Habit? | Best South Side Chicago Dentist

Should I Be Concerned About A Thumb Sucking Habit? | Best South Side Chicago Dentist

​​ Thumb sucking is one of the most recognizable behaviors found in children. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use…

Read More >
May 01, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Smile, Healthy Body | Best Dentist Near Me

Healthy Smile, Healthy Body | Best Dentist Near Me

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What  you might not know is that research has found the health…

Read More >
April 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist