Reasons for Tender Teeth

At Maiden Lane Dental, tooth sensitivity is a common complaint among our dental patients. As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, sensitive teeth occur when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. There are many reasons why your teeth may be tender and we’d like to tell you what they are. We would also like you to call us if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity so we can discuss your treatment options.

•  You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.

• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

If you’ve ever eaten a spoonful of ice cream and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, you’re likely experiencing the result of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin, which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, the result is the pain you feel. To treat these sensitive teeth, our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental may suggest switching to desensitizing toothpaste or completing fluoride treatment.

Because sensitivity may mean different things to a patient and dental professional, be sure to clarify exactly what you feel when you discuss the condition with your dentist. Sensitive teeth can be treated, but the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity in the first place. Other things that cause sensitive teeth are tooth decay near the gum line, gum disease, as well as tooth-grinding. If you have tooth discomfort, it’s important to talk to us about it.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Details on Sensitive Teeth Treatment

Tooth sensitivity is a common condition and if you’ve ever felt a sting in your tooth’s nerve while sipping on a hot or cold beverage then you know what we are referring to. Your teeth are partially made up of dentin and normally, the dentin is covered by enamel, but over time, the enamel covering can thin, providing less protection from external stimulation. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods. Fortunately at Maiden Lane Dental, your sensitivity can be treated, whatever the cause.

There are a number of causes for sensitive teeth. Some include brushing too hard, grinding teeth and suffering from gum disease. If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, it’s best to get a diagnostic evaluation from one of our doctors to determine the extent of the problem. Tooth sensitivity can usually be reduced by using American Dental Association (ADA) approved desensitizing toothpaste, dental sealants and other desensitizing and filling materials, including fluoride.

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth or have questions about the services we provide, give us a call or visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.