Do you cringe every time you drink something cold or eat something sugary? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that can cause discomfort and pain in the teeth. In this article, we will take a closer look at what causes sensitive teeth and how you can treat it.
Symptoms of sensitive teeth include:
– Discomfort or pain when eating or drinking cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods
– Sharp pain when your teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures
– Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold drinks
– Pain when brushing or flossing your teeth
Sensitive Teeth Causes
There are many different causes of sensitive teeth.
- One common cause is tooth decay. When the enamel on your teeth starts to wear down, it can expose the underlying dentin. Dentin is a softer tissue that contains tiny tubes. These tubes lead to the pulp of your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the dentin is exposed, the nerves in your tooth can become irritated and cause pain.
- Another common cause of sensitive teeth is gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can destroy the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. When the gum tissue is destroyed, it can expose the roots of your teeth. This can make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
Other causes of sensitive teeth include:
- Wearing down of the tooth enamel due to grinding or clenching
- Use of whitening products
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Plaque build-up
Treating Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and discomfort.
- One treatment option is to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients that can help to block the pain.
- Another option is to use a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride can help to strengthen the tooth enamel and make your teeth less sensitive.
- If you have severe tooth sensitivity, you may need to see a dentist. The dentist can treat the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth and help to relieve your pain.
- Treatment for medical conditions that cause tooth sensitivity may be as simple as a change in your daily routine or prescribed medications. However, other cases may require more invasive procedures such as root canals or tooth extractions. If you are concerned about your tooth sensitivity, be sure to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sensitive teeth can be a nuisance, but there are treatments available to help ease the pain. If you have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about the best treatment option for you. Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry dental team is passionate about providing excellent dental care to all of our patients. Call us today at 949-552-1380 to schedule an appointment.