Teeth can become sensitive when the root surface of the tooth is exposed, which occurs when your gums recede. Gum recession is usually caused by aggressive tooth brushing and scrubbing along the gum line or by poor oral hygiene. In the case of poor oral hygiene, plaque can build up around your gums and teeth; plaque hardens into tartar, the bacteria in which can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease, which leads to gum recession.

Exposed roots are made up of microscopic tubes that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. When the tooth is exposed to cold or pressure, the tooth nerve is stimulated and you feel discomfort. While sensitivity is often caused by root surface exposure, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. It’s important to see your dentist, who can evaluate your case and recommend appropriate treatment.

Over-the-counter sensitivity toothpastes, which contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, are often very effective in treating sensitive teeth. It may take several weeks of continuous use before you notice a decrease in sensitivity. Foods that are highly acidic, such as soda, sports beverages and citrus fruits can increase tooth sensitivity. If you are consuming these foods regularly, they may counteract a desensitizing toothpaste.

If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, it’s important to see your dentist to rule out other problems. In addition, there are desensitizing products that we can prescribe for home use and special compounds that can be applied directly to the root surface to reduce your sensitivity.

Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, from no discomfort to erratic pain when chewing (possibly with release of biting pressure) or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases, the pain may come and go. Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will never heal and is rarely detected on an x-ray. In spite of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate, resulting in tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. Like cracks in a windshield, cracks in teeth often start small and progress slowly. The sooner a crack is detected and treated, the better the chance of saving your tooth. Placement of a crown on a cracked tooth provides maximum protection and reduces the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth will continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing. Talk to your dentist about your particular diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Yes – for a smile that can transform your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Invisalign aligners are practically clear, so hardly anyone will know you are straightening your teeth. The aligners are very comfortable and won’t interfere with your day-to-day life. Invisalign is removable and, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, Invisalign can also improve the health of your mouth. Straight teeth allow for easier cleaning, which will help keep your gums healthy and prevent cavities. Straight teeth also make chewing easier and prevent excess stress on the teeth and supporting tissues. So, if you are ready to take a look at the benefits of a properly aligned smile, our two certified Invisalign providers, Dr. Veerman and Dr. Julian-Hoernke, would be happy to meet with you to help determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Learn more about Invisalign®.