Are you experiencing sensitivity in your teeth? It could seem like just a minor inconvenience, but it could be a sign that something serious is going on. Whether your sensitivity is a result of sipping on a cold beverage, enjoying a sweet treat, or biting down on something hard, it’s always best to bring this up with your dentist. Continue reading to learn about some of the different reasons you could encounter tooth sensitivity and what you can do about it.
The Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may not be a dental emergency on its own, but it can be signs of greater issues that do need to be addressed urgently. Here are some of the possible causes of sensitive teeth:
- Tooth decay
- Fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Enamel erosion
- Exposed tooth root
Your tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that protects them from outside elements. Beneath the enamel is the dentin – a yellow, less dense material that contains microscopic tubules. When the enamel is damaged or worn down, these tubules allow heat, cold, acidic, and sticky foods reach the cells and nerves inside the tooth. This can result in hypersensitivity.
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
You should bring up any new or worsening sensitivity with your dentist. This way, they can examine your smile to determine if there are any oral health issues that need to be addressed. Here are some treatments that may be suggested to reduce your sensitivity:
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: This contains compounds that help to block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
- Fluoride Gel: This is a technique that can strength the tooth enamel, reducing sensitivity.
- New Restorations: A dental crown, veneer, filling, or dental bonding may be used to correct damage resulting in sensitivity.
- Gum Grafting: If your sensitivity is caused by gum recession exposing the root of the tooth, gum grafting could be a viable solution.
- Root Canal Treatment: When tooth sensitivity is severe and persistent, this could mean that your tooth is infected. Root canal treatment may be recommended to remove the infected nerve and save the tooth from requiring tooth extraction.
Tooth sensitivity is never fun, and it can be caused by a variety of different issues. By seeing your dentist, you can discuss your symptoms and put together a plan to restore the health of your tooth, reducing your sensitivity.
About the Practice
At Cromer & Cairns Dental, we have a team comprising of a trusted general dentist, endodontic specialist, and periodontist serving patients in the Vero Beach community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, they would be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (772) 562-5051.