Have you experienced a sharp or tingling sensation when you eat or drink something overly hot or cold or wince when you brush your teeth? If so, you may have developed tooth sensitivity. There are several potential causes, and it’s natural to wonder whether your problem constitutes a dental emergency, or if it can wait.
While you might think of your recent sensitivity as a mere inconvenience, when it comes to your teeth, no pain is considered normal. Visiting your dentist sooner rather than later allows them to determine the issue and address it before it has a chance to progress. Continue reading to learn more about what might have caused your sensitivity and why it’s wise to get help quickly!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are many reasons your teeth and gums might feel tender, and some require more urgent care than others. Possible causes can include:
- Enamel erosion. Acid from the foods you eat works in tandem with bacteria in your mouth to weaken your enamel over time. This exposes more of the underlying layer of dentin, which is more sensitive to heat, cold, and sweets.
- Gum recession. If your gums pull far enough away from your teeth to reveal more of the roots, which contain tender nerves.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding). The constant pressure of subconsciously clenching teeth can erode, crack, or chip the enamel, leading to unpleasant sensations.
- Cavities. If bacteria have begun eating through the surface of your tooth, the tender pulp inside can become irritated or infected.
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Treated?
The solution to your problem depends on the underlying cause, which requires an appointment with your dentist. Once they’ve examined your mouth and have identified the issue, they’ll make treatment recommendations to improve your oral health based on their findings.
Some potential ways to address tooth sensitivity are:
- Desensitizing toothpaste. If your enamel is thinning but is mostly in good condition, resolving your discomfort could be as simple as switching to a toothpaste that contains ingredients that block nerve transmissions from your teeth to your brain.
- Fluoride gel. Many dentists offer topical fluoride treatments that can strengthen the protective outer layer of your teeth.
- Root canal procedure. If your tooth has become infected, a root canal may be necessary to remove the harmed materials and preserve its functionality.
- Surgical gum graft. If you have progressive periodontitis, you may require a gum graft to provide enough tissue over the roots of your teeth to protect them.
- A dental crown, inlay, or bonding. Restorative services can repair chips and cracks or cover an injured tooth so you can continue to eat and speak normally.
Thankfully, your dentist has the experience and technology to accurately diagnose the cause of your tooth sensitivity so you can get fast relief!
About the Practice
At RP Dental & Implants, you benefit from two skilled experts with 30+ years of combined experience. Dr. Wadsworth and Dr. Patel take pride in helping patients build and maintain happy, healthy smiles regardless of their current dental condition. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to increase patient comfort while providing accurate, long-lasting results. Plus, if you have a dental emergency, they offer same-day appointments, so you don’t have to wait long for the help you need. If you’re worried about tooth sensitivity, you can contact the office on the website or call (352) 750-0008.