Cazes Family Dentistry - Long Valley

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Long Valley

Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods can cause discomfort, but it is a condition that can be managed both in-office and with at-home treatments.
Call 908-503-5819

The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity happens when the nerves inside your teeth are exposed or irritated. Typically, teeth are shielded by a strong enamel layer. Beneath this enamel is dentin, and at the core of the tooth is the pulp, which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When enamel becomes thin or dentin is exposed, the nerves lose their protection. Sensitivity is usually triggered by various habits or conditions that damage or wear down tooth enamel.

Ways Tooth Enamel Can Be Damaged:

  • Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, especially late at night.
  • Skipping regular oral hygiene practices like flossing.
  • Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles.
  • Using professional-grade dental tools at home without proper training.
  • Health conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia that expose teeth to stomach acid.
  • Gum disease or gum recession that is left untreated.
  • Cracked, chipped, or otherwise compromised teeth.
  • Untreated dental cavities.
  • Using tobacco products, cannabis, or vaping.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth excessively.
  • Overusing certain teeth-whitening products.

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

The first and most crucial step when experiencing dental pain or sensitivity is to visit the dentist. We will help rule out other possible causes of your discomfort and recommend treatments to address any damage or decay found during your appointment. With a clear diagnosis, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re on the right path. Let’s break down the process:

Figure Out the Underlying Cause

We don’t rely on assumptions. During your exam, we’ll ask you to describe your sensitivity and how frequently it occurs. Diagnostic tools like new X-rays, the cold test, or the tap test may be used to pinpoint the issue, and your teeth and gums will be carefully examined.

Treatment in the Office

Damaged or decayed teeth can be restored with various treatments, from simple fillings to more advanced solutions like crowns. For worn enamel, there are at-home remedies as well as in-office treatments that may be effective. We’ll discuss all available options, and you’ll have the final say in your care plan.

Personalized Advice

Tooth sensitivity has many potential causes. After a thorough dental exam, your dentist will narrow it down to the specific issues affecting you. We’ll provide personalized tips and recommendations to help you strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future sensitivity or decay.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently twice a day using desensitizing toothpaste, paying close attention to the gumline. Incorporate flossing and use a fluoridated mouthwash regularly. Avoid consuming acidic and sugary foods or drinks such as coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, particularly before bedtime. If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, try mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease the strain on your jaw. To address the root cause of sensitivity and eliminate the pain permanently, a visit to the dentist is essential.

In some situations, improving your oral hygiene habits can alleviate tooth sensitivity. Keeping your teeth clean can prevent further enamel erosion, allowing your enamel to begin repairing itself with the help of fluoride treatments. However, dental pain often indicates a deeper problem. If the dentin underneath your enamel is exposed, there is a risk of infection or abscess, which requires professional attention.

Stress can contribute to tooth sensitivity indirectly. When under stress, people may neglect oral hygiene routines, consume more sugary or acidic foods, or smoke. Stress is also a common cause of teeth grinding or clenching, which can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity. Many individuals grind their teeth at night without realizing it.

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion, leading to sensitivity:

  • Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
  • Sugary foods: Chocolate, candies, caramel, ice cream, jams, and sodas (again!).
  • Starchy foods: Bread, cakes, donuts, cookies, crackers, and chips.
  • Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or kernels, such as popcorn, cherries, and olives.

You don’t need to avoid these entirely; just enjoy them in moderation and maintain a good oral hygiene routine, especially before going to bed.

Low-acid and low-sugar options are ideal for managing sensitivity. Foods high in fiber and dairy products that promote saliva production are particularly beneficial. Aim for a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium. Here are some excellent choices:

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Lisa Osborne
1 month ago
Had not been to a dentist since before COVID and was anxious opening my mouth that had obvious cavities, coffee staining, a few chipped teeth plus one completely shattered molar. The entire staff was very welcoming and friendly. They seem so much more than simply coworkers. They are warm, kind and function well while working in a small office. Dr. Cazes is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled, but more importantly he listens to the patient to understand their comfort level, their concerns and their long term objectives. He easily disarms his clients with grace, compassion and respect. He explains exactly what he is doing and stops immediately if his patient needs a moment or has a question. Dr. Cazes and his staff are genuine and work at the patients’ comfort level to improve their smile, long term management of their teeth health; and in doing so, improve their patients’ self-confidence. I highly recommend Dr. Cazes and Cazes Family Dentistry to anyone dissatisfied with their current dentist and those whose teeth haven’t seen a professional in a while. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More
Pauline
1 month ago
Top Notch Dentistry! That’s what comes to mind when I think of The Cazes and their entire staff. I know that when I go for a check up they will be thorough. They’ve always done a wonderful job in every procedure I’ve ever needed. They make visiting the dentist a most stress free and calming experience. I highly recommend them. 😁
More
Pat Brennan
1 month ago
Extremely happy with everyone I encountered today . Dr Jay took the time to listen to me and explain things with great care. I am now making Cazes Family Dentistry my new forever dental practice. Thank you so very much for being so professional. The staff as well as doctors are amazing. You could not ask for a better dental practice.
More
Matthew Croker
4 months ago
Amazing practice! Every staff member is friendly and comforting. They are very focused on your comfort and ensuring it's as pain-free and anxiety free. They adjust the plan to what you need at that appointment and worked to ensure my biggest issues were solved first. I can't speak highly enough of everyone here.
More
amanda muino
5 months ago
Amazing! The Staff at Cazes is so warm and welcoming. As someone who is not at all a dentist person, from the moment I walked in I felt extremely comfortable. Dr. Janice was able to fit me and immediately removed the wisdom tooth that was causing me discomfort. Will most definitely be using their office moving forward for myself and family members. They also see children! Highly recommended!
More
Lisa Osborne
1 month ago
Had not been to a dentist since before COVID and was anxious opening my mouth that had obvious cavities, coffee staining, a few chipped teeth plus one completely shattered molar. The entire staff was very welcoming and friendly. They seem so much more than simply coworkers. They are warm, kind and function well while working in a small office. Dr. Cazes is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled, but more importantly he listens to the patient to understand their comfort level, their concerns and their long term objectives. He easily disarms his clients with grace, compassion and respect. He explains exactly what he is doing and stops immediately if his patient needs a moment or has a question. Dr. Cazes and his staff are genuine and work at the patients’ comfort level to improve their smile, long term management of their teeth health; and in doing so, improve their patients’ self-confidence. I highly recommend Dr. Cazes and Cazes Family Dentistry to anyone dissatisfied with their current dentist and those whose teeth haven’t seen a professional in a while. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More
Pauline
1 month ago
Top Notch Dentistry! That’s what comes to mind when I think of The Cazes and their entire staff. I know that when I go for a check up they will be thorough. They’ve always done a wonderful job in every procedure I’ve ever needed. They make visiting the dentist a most stress free and calming experience. I highly recommend them. 😁
More
Pat Brennan
1 month ago
Extremely happy with everyone I encountered today . Dr Jay took the time to listen to me and explain things with great care. I am now making Cazes Family Dentistry my new forever dental practice. Thank you so very much for being so professional. The staff as well as doctors are amazing. You could not ask for a better dental practice.
More
Matthew Croker
4 months ago
Amazing practice! Every staff member is friendly and comforting. They are very focused on your comfort and ensuring it's as pain-free and anxiety free. They adjust the plan to what you need at that appointment and worked to ensure my biggest issues were solved first. I can't speak highly enough of everyone here.
More
amanda muino
5 months ago
Amazing! The Staff at Cazes is so warm and welcoming. As someone who is not at all a dentist person, from the moment I walked in I felt extremely comfortable. Dr. Janice was able to fit me and immediately removed the wisdom tooth that was causing me discomfort. Will most definitely be using their office moving forward for myself and family members. They also see children! Highly recommended!
More
Cazes Family Dentistry - Long Valley

Request an Appointment Today

Call 908-503-5819