As the premier Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber is a trusted resource for guidance and support for patients who have sensitive teeth.

Q: What are the general causes of sensitive teeth?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Exposure to acidic foods and whitening products often can make the teeth more sensitive.

Q: Is this sensitivity indicative of a significant dental issue?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: No, not every sensitive tooth is an indication of gum disease or tooth decay.

Q: Which foods or beverages should be avoided by those with sensitive teeth?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Highly acidic foods like lemons, oranges and tomatoes can be a major irritant to sensitive teeth.The acid in coffee and tea can have a tremendous impact on a sensitive tooth. For those who drink several cups of tea or coffee daily, dilute with water to reduce some of the acidity. Even better, cut back on the intake.

Q: Are there certain daily habits that may exacerbate the problem?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Tooth grinding is one of the major causes of sensitive teeth. In fact, chronic grinding wears down enamel and exposes the tooth’s nerves.

Q: What solutions are available to address this problematic habit?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: A dentist can prescribe a mouth guard to help prevent the patient from grinding teeth at night.

Q: Do patients have to change their brushing and flossing routines?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: A sensitive tooth could be irritated by cold water. When brushing your teeth, try warm water instead.

Q: Are there special toothpastes or mouthwashes that promote oral health?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Fluoride aids in the protection of teeth by strengthening the enamel. Look for mouth rinses and toothpastes that contain fluoride. For sensitive teeth, stannous fluoride has proven to be particularly effective.

Q: How should a patient proceed if he or she is considering teeth-whitening treatments?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: My first suggestion is to visit your dentist for a consultation.  It is best to avoid over the counter products that contain citric acid.  Your dentist can make the proper recommendation depending on your needs.

Q: What lesson do you hope to leave with patients who may be experiencing sensitive teeth?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: A regular and consistent oral care program is the most powerful way to reduce sensitivity. If the problem persists, make an appointment with your dentist to determine the best course of action. It’s possible that you may suffer from a cavity or gum infection. Catching the problem early could spare you a series of complex procedures later on down the line.

Glendora cosmetic dentist Dr. Viviane Haber offers general dental care, as well as more advanced procedures including bridges, implants and veneers.