If you’re suddenly experiencing a sharp pain when consuming hot or cold items or even during brushing, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. If you’re not sure what to do about it, take a few minutes to understand better what tooth sensitivity is and how to help get relief from the pain.
Common Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by tooth decay. Decay occurs when plaque on our teeth starts to react with the bacteria in our mouth. Over time, the acids that form from bacteria begin to soften our enamel. Additionally, eating sugary foods, teeth grinding and brushing too hard can also wear away at your enamel and can even cause your gums to recede. As your enamel wears down or when the roots become uncovered, the inner part of your tooth becomes exposed. Once unprotected, external factors like hot food can stimulate the nerve and cause a sharp pain in the area.
Contributing Factors For Sensitive Teeth
To be able to treat the pain it’s important to fully understand tooth sensitivity and what is behind it. Beyond the causes we’ve mentioned above, you should also be aware of some other common triggers that may cause sensitivity. This includes cracked teeth that can lead to inflammation of the pulp, tooth whitening products that can impact the enamel, highly acidic foods that wear away at the enamel, and some dental procedures like fillings and crowns that can cause temporary sensitivities in patients.
Treatment
To prevent tooth sensitivity, it’s important to understand what exactly is causing your specific pain. That’s why proper diagnosis by a dentist is crucial and can allow them to properly address and treat the symptoms. Attending dental check-ups at least twice per year is also necessary to spot any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. So if you are experiencing pain, you should book an appointment with your dentist immediately. They can help you understand tooth sensitivity and how to reduce your pain and discomfort.
At Rockcliffe Dental, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of any painful sensitivity that you are experiencing. Whether it’s general discomfort or something specific like a tooth fracture, our dentists will identify the problem and recommend treatment so you can get back to enjoying the foods that you love, minus the pain. Contact us today to set up your next appointment.
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