Teeth become sensitive when the inner layer, known as dentin, is exposed. There are many different ways that dentin can become exposed, including decay and gum recession.
Am I at risk for sensitive teeth?
The Products You Use and Stress Level Can Increase The Chances of Sensitivity
Using an abrasive toothpaste or other products that are hard on your enamel can increase your chances of developing dental sensitivity.
Some studies have also found that individuals who are under stress or have obsessive-compulsive symptoms are more likely to have sensitive teeth.
So what is making my teeth sensitive?
There Are Many Potential Causes
Tooth Decay
A cavity or decay under the surface can cause pain and make your tooth more sensitive to temperature changes.
Damaged Teeth
A crack or fracture in a tooth may not constantly cause pain, but instead, react to certain foods or drinks.
Older Fillings
Fillings protect areas of teeth which have been damaged. When they become worn, the nerves inside of teeth may be exposed to external elements, leading to sensitivity.
Worn Enamel
When enamel becomes too thin to protect the nerves within teeth, dentin hypersensitivity can result.
Exposed Roots
If gum recession or other issues have left your roots exposed, it can cause dental sensitivity.
Gum Disease
Inflammation in the gums can make teeth more sensitive and cause gums to recede, leaving the roots exposed.
Is dental hypersensitivity normal?
Tooth Sensitivity Is a Relatively Common Issue
*According to a study in Clinical Oral Investigations
What should I do if my teeth are sensitive?
Your Doctor Can Identify The Cause and Severity of Dental Sensitivity
The first step toward finding relief from sensitive teeth is to speak with your dentist. It is a good idea to keep track of what causes your symptoms and what normally makes them better for a period of time leading up to your appointment.
Your doctor will conduct an exam to determine the underlying cause of sensitivity. The best treatment option for you will depend on the cause of your symptoms.
Is there a way to prevent tooth sensitivity?
Taking Care of Your Tooth Enamel Can Help Reduce or Stop Symptoms
Use Gentle Brushing Techniques
Placing too much force on your teeth while you brush can damage the enamel. Avoid brushing side-to-side right at the gum line. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and hold it at a 45-degree angle to your gum line while brushing.
Avoid Eating or Drinking Acidic Products
Certain foods and drinks, such as soda, sticky candy, and high-sugar carbs, are more likely to cause damage to your enamel. Change up your snacking habits to include foods such as fruits and veggies high in fiber, cheese, and plain yogurt.
Treat Clenching or Grinding
When left untreated, clenching or grinding your teeth can wear away at enamel. For some patients, reducing stress can stop the issue. However, you may need another treatment for bruxism, such as a mouth guard or orthodontic adjustment.
Can these techniques really help?
Keeping Your Smile Healthy Can Stop Sensitivity from Developing
“Good oral hygiene is your best defense against most oral health problems, including tooth sensitivity.”
-The Journal of the American Dental Association
For Some Patients, Stopping Sensitivity Is As Easy As Changing Toothpastes
For minor sensitivity, switching to a desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain and stop symptoms. There are many over-the-counter products available, so it is a good idea to discuss your options with a dentist before choosing one.
It is important to keep in mind that desensitizing toothpaste cannot treat the underlying cause of sensitivity and may not be effective for more severe issues.
What if changing toothpastes isn’t enough?
Your Doctor Can Recommend The Right Treatment For Your Needs
Fluoride Treatment
Professional fluoride treatments can strengthen tooth enamel, protecting the dentin.
Dental Filling
A dental filling can repair areas of mild to moderate damage, improving symptoms.
Restorations
For extensive damage, your dentist may recommend an inlay, onlay, or dental crown.
Gum Treatments
For gum recession, you may need treatment such as a gum graft to restore your health.
Root Canal Therapy
If sensitivity is severe and persists, you may need a root canal to address infection within the root.
I’m tired of living with sensitivity. What can I do today?
Schedule an Appointment
Having sensitive teeth can interrupt your daily life and make it more difficult to enjoy the things you love. Learn more about the treatment options available to you by contacting a doctor today.
What Patients Are Saying!
Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO
Elizabeth Tarpley
12 September 2026
I can’t say enough great things about the staff here. Friendly, kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic and above all - amazing at their jobs. Front desk staff, billing staff, treatment coordinator, assistants and of course Dr. Schlaikjer - thank you so very much for making the extraction, bone graft and implant process the best experience possible for a very anxious person. 🙌🏼👏
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
Tim Schoemehl
10 September 2022
This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!
Dragica Junuzovic
29 May 2022
Thank you dr Schlaikejer for you profesional work .Everything is so simple with you, except your last name.😉 And,you are sorounding with good tim of assistence. I will recomended you to peaple who wants have a beautiful smile😅
Toni Brinker
8 November 2021
By far, the BEST experience I’ve ever had at a medical office. The staff/doctor was so accommodating, and made me feel super welcome and comfortable. At one point during my visit I told them I felt like I was at a spa! They treat their patients so well and give you their undivided attention. I was dreading this visit, but it was actually enjoyable! Dr. Schlaikjer was very informative and took his time, he was funny (as well as the staff), and I know I can trust him, which can be hard to find when it comes to healthcare. They truly, truly care about their patients, and I will definitely be back.
Mike Manion
22 October 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his staff are very professional and friendly. If I knew how painless and easy the procedure was, I would have come in sooner. They are GREAT! Thanks, Patti Manion
Mirsada Perkanovic
9 July 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his team did outstanding job! I was very impressed from start to finish. After I talking to my friends and intervjuing several oral surgeons, I was pleased that I chose Dr Schlaikjer and his team. I could not have made a better choose. I wish, I could give this place more than 5 stars! Can not thank them enough. I had an extractions, 5 implant placed and bone graft done.Everything was amazing. He and his entire team are incredibly kind, helpful and attentive and they make you feel like you are visiting a friend rather than a surgeon. No better place to go for a dental extraction and tooth implants. As good as it gets. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who is need of this type of service. I am very happy with my dental implants and I will be forever grateful!
Ronald Wunsch
9 March 2021
I was referred by my dentist who gave Dr S a rave review. After a thorough examination it was determined that my bone had to be built up to, accommodate an implant. It was a difficult task but Dr S handled it with expertise, compassion and an explanation of each and every procedure before he began. After major oral surgery he sent me home with his cell phone number to call if I was in pain. I have the utmost confidence in dr S and encourage anyone needing a Periodontist to go to him.
Stan Nieweglowski
20 May 2020
Dr. Schlaikjer is a true professional. This was my first procedure of the sort and he, along with his staff, made it a breeze. I barely felt a thing.
Courtney EurekaSmile
10 December 2019
My son was involved in a car accident and had to have gum grafting. Dr Schlaikjer and his team were very informative, professional and went out of their way to make my son and I feel comfortable and important. They are very personable and easy to talk to. My son has had great results with his procedure and we are so thankful to have found Dr. Schlaikjer!
Chris Elbring
3 December 2019
Dr Schlaikjer is very skilled and it is apparent when you are in his care. Always felt comfortable. Gum graft went super well and exceeded expectations. This sort of stuff is never fun, but if I had to get periodontal work again, I know where I would go.
Raul Alvarez
16 July 2019
Really enjoyed (who even says that about a dentist) visiting Dr. Schlaikjer's office. Staff is personable and professional... along with Dr. Schlaikjer's care and expertise. Highly recommend.
Kyle Brown
8 March 2019
Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff are absolutely incredible!!! There aren't enough fantastic words to describe him and his practice, I highly reccomend them to everyone!
Patti Redel
27 February 2019
First time I have gone to Dr. Schlaikjer. I can’t say enough about the professional, caring work he and his staff do. The entire team, from Danyell, to Natasha, Ashley and Dr. Schlaikjer took the time to meet with me, explain everything as they went along and calmed my nerves. I highly recommend his services. Top notch!
Ben Cohn
10 February 2019
Very skilled, very meticulous practitioner with a great, reassuring manner. Helpful, attentive staff. Good outcomes for all 3 procedures he's done for me. Highly recommend.
Gerald Tanner
13 December 2018
Great dentist and office. Had 2 procedures and both went smoothly. Very skilled and has very reassuring manner.
K Smith
30 October 2018
By far his most difficult patient yet, and yet I'd go back in a heartbeat. Friendly staff across the board. Patient, understanding, sympathetic, etc.
Dr. Jon Copeland
10 April 2017
Great periodontist. Easy to get to location.
Elizabeth Tarpley
12 September 2026
I can’t say enough great things about the staff here. Friendly, kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic and above all - amazing at their jobs. Front desk staff, billing staff, treatment coordinator, assistants and of course Dr. Schlaikjer - thank you so very much for making the extraction, bone graft and implant process the best experience possible for a very anxious person. 🙌🏼👏
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
