Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Cosmetic
      • Lumineers
      • Veneers
      • ZOOM!
      • Snap On Smile
      • Bonding
      • Inlays and Onlays
    • Restorative
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Dentures
      • Bonding
    • Pediatric
      • Sealants
      • Mouth Guards
    • Periodontic
      • Arestin
      • Biopsy
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Frenectomy
      • Occlusal Adjustment
      • Periodontal Splinting
      • Periodontal (gum) disease
      • Scaling & Root Planing
      • Soft Tissue Graft
    • Oral Surgery
      • Wisdom Teeth
      • Extractions
      • Extraction Site Preservation
      • Bone Grafting
    • Orthodontic
      • Invisalign
      • Night Guards
    • Same Day Emergencies
  • Our Technology
    • WaterLase iPlus
    • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
      • Nitrous Oxide
    • Panorex
    • Intraoral Camera
    • Rotary Endodontics
    • Electric Handpieces
    • CEREC
    • Oral Cancer Screenings
    • Digital X-Ray
  • Patient Resources
    • Online Forms
    • New Patient Forms
    • Insurance
    • Q & A
    • Links
    • Post-Op Instructions
    • Surgical Instructions
      • Before Anesthesia
      • After Wisdom Tooth Removal
      • After Dental Implant Surgery
      • After Impacted Tooth
      • Multiple Tooth Extractions
    • Discount Plan
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

All About Smiles

Waterside Office Park 32 Main St. Windsor Locks, CT 06096

(860) 623-3244

Menu

(860) 623-3244

No form settings found. Please configure it.
  • Welcome! >
  • Articles >
  • Dental Problems >
  • Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

  • Created in Dental Problems

If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity," or more commonly, sensitive teeth.

Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking and breathing habits.

At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth result when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen on the chewing surface of the tooth as well as at the gum line. In some cases, sensitive teeth are the result of gum disease, years of unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, or improper or too vigorous brushing (if the bristles of your toothbrush are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard).

Abrasive toothpastes are sometimes the culprit of sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel, and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpastes, may increase tooth sensitivity.

In some cases, desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods can alleviate some of the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Sometimes, a sensitive tooth may be confused by a patient for a cavity or abscess that is not yet visible.

In any case, contact your dentist if you notice any change in your teeth's sensitivity to temperature.

  • Dental Education Library
    • Oral Health Topics
    • Tooth Care
    • Dental Problems
    • Treatment
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Pain Management
    • Patient Information
    • Product Reviews
    • Glossary
    • Links

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

By Appointment Only

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location

Find us on the map

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map