Sensitive Teeth

If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity," or more commonly, sensitive teeth.

Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking and breathing habits.

At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth result when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen on the chewing surface of the tooth as well as at the gum line. In some cases, sensitive teeth are the result of gum disease, years of unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, or improper or too vigorous brushing (if the bristles of your toothbrush are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard).

Abrasive toothpastes are sometimes the culprit of sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel, and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpastes, may increase tooth sensitivity.

In some cases, desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods can alleviate some of the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Sometimes, a sensitive tooth may be confused by a patient for a cavity or abscess that is not yet visible.

In any case, contact your dentist if you notice any change in your teeth's sensitivity to temperature.

Our Location

3101 Old Highway 8 Suite 303 Roseville, MN 55113

Hours of Operation

Monday:

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "My family and I have been seeing Dr. Petersen for our dental care for decades....I remember seeing Dr. Petersen on the Eastside when he covered Fridays for another DDS. Excellent and compassionate care from Dr. Petersen and his dental team."
    - Karin Cierzan
  • "We have always been coming here for years now. First just me and my husband, now the 2 kiddos too. I don’t carry dental insurance and find the pricing reasonable. The staff is very friendly and good with kids too. I highly recommend this dental office."
    - Susan Cramer Medina
  • "I have been coming to this clinic for over 19 years with only one brief hiccup (of which I corrected and came back) and trust my dental health to only Dr. Petersen and his staff of professionals. If you want perfection this is where you should come to get it and always with a gentle touch."
    - Brenda Ciccone
  • "I've been coming to see him since 1992. Wow I have referred many friends and family. I love this practice. They have been great over the years."
    - Jennie Hawkins
  • "Excellent care for your entire family. Warm, welcoming staff!"
    - Paul Talarico