Are your Teeth Too Sensitive?

Even when it’s cold outside, it’s hard to resist cool treats such as popsicles and ice cream. Good old ice cream. With so many delicious flavors and types, what’s not to love? Unfortunately, foods with cold temperatures may induce miserable results for you if your teeth are very sensitive. Approximately one in every eight people struggle with dental sensitivity. This unfortunate problem is most prevalent amongst young adults, women, anyone with gum recession, or people who have had too much teeth whitening.

Understanding Sensitive Teeth

There are numerous research studies on this topic. One was led by Dr. Joana Cunha-Cruz, a research assistant professor based at the University of Washington. Dr. Cunha-Cruz collected data from 37 general dental practices in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Utah. These dentists partnered with 787 of their patients who were asked to answer survey questions. The researchers found that patients presenting with tooth discomfort or sensitivity from certain foods or drinks with extreme temperatures or tastes often avoided their favorite foods to not feel the unpleasant sensations. The study showed that sensitivity may be more intermittent than chronic for many sufferers. If you don’t take any action when you have warning signs of sensitive teeth, however, the situation could worsen over time.

Cool Information

The results of this survey were printed in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Research volunteers were asked to answer survey questions on discomfort, gum or tooth pain, and general oral sensitivity. The dentists involved in the research examined the patients for underlying dental issues which might explain their sensitivity. Among the possible causes were chipped teeth, cavities, gum inflammation, and worn down tooth enamel. Approximately 12% of the study participants reported sensitivity which did not have an obvious cause. This high statistic provides great data for dentists as they strive to offer the best possible solutions for dental issues to their patients.

ABOUT YOUR WINNETKA DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.