If cold drinks, hot coffee, or even brushing feel sharp or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity affects about 1 in 8 adults in the U.S., according to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. The discomfort can range from mild twinges to sharp pain that disrupts your daily routine. While some people try to ignore it or self-treat with over-the-counter toothpaste, lasting relief often requires a professional evaluation.

That’s where a dentist in Bellevue is needed—providing more than superficial solutions. Let’s go step by step through how proper dental care can identify the source and provide lasting relief.

Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?

Sensitive teeth most often happen because of worn enamel or exposed roots. But these situations didn’t just magically develop. Some common reasons include:

• Forced brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
• Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth (most likely while sleeping)
• Loss of gum tissues with age or from severe gum disease
• Decay or cracked fillings
• Acidic foods and beverages can wear off enamel

A close dental examination by a dentist in Bellevue can determine which of these is the cause of your discomfort.

What a Bellevue Dentist Will Look For

At your appointment, the dentist won’t merely ask where it hurts. They’ll examine your teeth, gums, and bite to get the whole picture. Dental X-rays might be taken in order to eliminate decay or concealed fractures.

You will also receive a customized treatment plan from the results. This can include:

• Fluoride varnishes to reinforce enamel
• Dental bonding to cover exposed root surfaces
• Gum treatment if recession or disease is present
• Nightguards to prevent grinding at night

Starting the treatment early is the best solution to put a stop to developing sensitive teeth. If not treated, sensitivity can progress to cause more severe issues, such as infection or tooth loss.

Why Choose the Best Dentist in Bellevue

Choosing the best dentist Bellevue has to offer entails finding one practitioner who will listen to your issues and plainly detail your options. It also entails having state-of-the-art diagnostic tools at your disposal and conservative care that spares your natural teeth.

Patients will wait, hoping the pain will resolve. But sensitive teeth don’t heal by themselves. The right oral care from a Bellevue dentist can have you feeling relaxed again—starting with minor changes like altering the way you brush, and offering long-term solutions like protective restorations.