Tooth sensitivity might seem like a small inconvenience—until it interferes with your ability to enjoy daily essentials like sipping coffee, eating ice cream, or even brushing your teeth. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort from hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans deal with this issue, and at BU Dental in Pleasant Hill, we’re here to help you understand what’s causing it—and how to get relief.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the protective layers of your teeth are worn down or compromised, exposing the inner nerves to external stimuli. These nerve endings react to temperature, pressure, and certain foods, causing sharp or aching pain that can be either temporary or chronic.

For many, it’s more than just a nuisance. It can affect diet, hygiene, and quality of life—which is why early evaluation by a dental professional is key.

Most Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. Enamel Erosion

Your enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, it can wear away due to acidic foods, overbrushing, or bruxism (teeth grinding). Without enough enamel, the sensitive inner dentin becomes exposed.

2. Gum Recession

When gums recede, the roots of your teeth—which are not covered in enamel—are exposed. This is a common cause of sensitivity in older adults or those with gum disease.

3. Tooth Decay

A cavity is essentially a hole in the enamel. When decay advances, it exposes the dentin and can even reach the pulp, resulting in extreme sensitivity or pain.

4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Even tiny cracks in the enamel can cause significant sensitivity, particularly when pressure is applied during chewing.

5. Worn or Failing Dental Restorations

Old fillings or crowns may shrink, leak, or shift over time, leading to exposure of the underlying tooth structure.

6. Recent Dental Procedures

It’s normal to feel temporary sensitivity after cleanings, teeth whitening treatments in Pleasant Hill, CA, or restorative work. If it doesn’t subside after a few days, it should be evaluated.

When Should You See a Dentist?

If sensitivity lingers for more than a few days, increases in severity, or disrupts your routine, it's time to see a professional. Our team at BU Dental will assess whether the cause is related to decay, gum recession, enamel erosion, or other factors. Catching the issue early can prevent more invasive procedures down the road—such as a tooth extraction in Pleasant Hill or root canal therapy.

Treatment Options at BU Dental

We take a customized approach to treating tooth sensitivity, depending on the root cause. Here are some solutions we may recommend:

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Over-the-counter and prescription options are available to help block pain signals from reaching the tooth’s nerve.

In-Office Fluoride Treatments

These help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity, especially in cases caused by erosion or early gum recession.

Dental Bonding

For areas of exposed root or worn enamel, we may apply a bonding agent to seal the area and block pain triggers.

Gum Therapy

If gum recession is the issue, we may recommend scaling and root planing or soft tissue grafting.

Porcelain Crowns

When the tooth is structurally compromised, porcelain crowns in Pleasant Hill offer both protection and aesthetic improvement.

Restorative Work

If old fillings or crowns are contributing to sensitivity, we can replace them with modern, durable materials to restore your comfort.

Preventing Future Sensitivity

You can take a few proactive steps to keep sensitivity at bay:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• Use a straw for citrus beverages or soda
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Schedule regular cleanings to catch enamel wear early

We also recommend consulting our team about long-term solutions like clear aligners in Pleasant Hill, which can help correct bite issues contributing to enamel erosion.

Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain

Tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to be something you just “live with.” At BU Dental, we’re committed to identifying the source of your discomfort and treating it with care and precision. Whether your solution involves fluoride therapy, bonding, or a restorative procedure like a crown or dental implant in Pleasant Hill, we’re here to restore your comfort and confidence.

Schedule your consultation today and find relief with compassionate dental care in Pleasant Hill.