If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you should tell your dentist at your next visit. Tooth sensitivity is somewhat normal and common. In some cases, it might require treatment. In other cases, it will not require treatment but may require some changes to your daily habits. Here are several things to understand about teeth sensitivity and how dentist respond to it.

The Severity of the Sensitivity

A family dentist may ask you some questions about the sensitivity you feel. The primary thing the dentist must know is if the pain instantly goes away or linger. The answer to this dictates how the dentist proceeds with handling the pain.

When sensitivity pain is sharp for a few seconds and then dissipates, it is somewhat normal and may not require treatment. On the other hand, sensitivity issues that cause lingering pain typically represent issues that require further analysis and treatment.

The Causes of Minor Sensitivity

When the pain instantly goes away after eating or drinking something hot, it is often the result of worn-down enamel. While having worn-down enamel is not good for your teeth, it is normal for teeth as people age. Enamel can wear down from use and aggressive brushing. If this is the problem you have, your dentist might suggest a few changes in your lifestyle. Here are some of the things he or she might recommend:

• Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing less aggressively
• Using a toothpaste that helps decrease sensitivity with teeth
• Not eating or drinking things that have high levels of acids

Your dentist might also recommend a few other changes. If you make these changes, you might see a decrease in the pain you feel from hot and cold things.

The Treatment for Major Sensitivity Issues

When sensitivity pain lingers for minutes after eating or drinking, there is likely a problem that needs to be addressed. The dentist might start by looking for signs of decay on your teeth. If you have untreated cavities, they can cause you to feel a great deal of sensitivity with your teeth. Secondly, the dentist might take x-rays to look for signs of an infection in your mouth. Infected tooth roots can also cause major sensitivity issues and may require a root canal procedure.

You should not ignore sensitivity issues if you feel them while eating or drinking. Instead, talk to a family dentist about the issues to determine what you can do to solve them.