Eating ice cream is great fun, but it can become uncomfortable. If your teeth hurt when you eat hot or cold foods, you may have developed dental hypersensitivity.

Why do teeth turn super sensitive? When a tooth's enamel wears down from hard brushing, for example, the underlying dentin is exposed. Dentin has microscopic tubules that transmit pain when your teeth touch anything cold or hot.

Can you control hypersensitivity? Yes, Conservative treatments include applying a mild fluoride/potasium nitrate gel in our office and recommending that patients use special sensitive-tooth toothpaste at home.

We can also protect dentin with a sealant or a resin, and fluoride treatments have shown to be effective in relieving dental sensitivity.

You don't have to live with hurt when you eat and drink. With the right treatment, you can have your ice cream and eat it too -- in delicious comfort.

Never ignore a chip or a crack in a tooth, no matter how small or imperceptible it may seem. Even the most microscopic of fractures can enlarge and become an easy target for bacteria to invade and cause tooth decay. Teeth that are cracked or chipped can also quickly discolor or become unsightly, marring your lovely smile.

What's the best approach if you suspect you have a chip or crack? Have us check it immediately. Using direct bonding, a fast and effective procedure,

we can help prevent a small chip or a tiny fracture from getting bigger, becoming unattractive, and putting your oral health at risk. We can treat larger problems with tooth-coloring fillings, porcelain laminated veneers, or crowns.