Few things can ruin your day like tooth pain. And if you are living with overly sensitive teeth, the odds are that days with tooth pain are far too frequent for your liking.
Well, good news! In this blog, we are going to address the core causes concerning tooth sensitivity as well as the options available to you.
However, we would like to remind you that if you are experiencing intense dental discomfort or tooth pain that disrupts your day-to-day activities, it is a dental emergency. Contact our office immediately so we can help you find relief.
Learn more about emergency dental treatments on our emergency dentistry page.
How Can I Tell If My Teeth Are Sensitive?
This is a more common question than one might think. After all, everyone’s tolerances are different and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, medication, and diet.
To check your teeth, keep these steps in mind:
- First, examine your teeth. If you notice your teeth are shades of yellow or that you have a receding gum line, your tooth enamel might not be protecting you properly.
- Next, see if you feel discomfort around certain foods such as sugary sweets, hot drinks like coffee, or cold treats like ice cream.
The Culprit Behind Sensitive Cuspids
There are two reasons that teeth become more and more sensitive over time. The first and more common reason is called enamel erosion. Tooth enamel (the hard, white part of our teeth) acts as a protective shell and puts in a lot of work over the years.
Unfortunately, this hard work does take its toll, and enamel can become weakened and thinned. Unlike a lot of soft tissue, enamel cannot heal or repair itself—once it’s gone, it’s gone. This means enamel erosion increases the risk of sensitive teeth and structural damage to the teeth like chipping, breakage, or fractures.
The second most common reason for tooth sensitivity is an exposed root, which, unlike enamel, is meant to respond to stimuli. An exposed tooth root can cause sharp pains as well as tooth sensitivity.
Many different dental issues can cause a tooth’s root to become exposed: cavities, gum disease, or a crack or fracture. Unlike enamel erosion, which wears down teeth over time, an exposed root should receive treatment as soon as possible to prevent infection.
If you’re experiencing either of these issues, schedule an appointment with West Lakes Dentistry in Fairchance, PA, to get it fixed.
Your Options for a Comfortable Smile
As every smile is unique, and so is every solution. Consult with your dentist about your specific concerns. With that in mind, there are several popular procedures you might want to discuss that will get your smile comfortable once again:
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: For some of us, we are just born with higher sensitivity than others. If you are experiencing mild discomfort or nerve pain from your teeth but don’t believe it requires a dental procedure, discuss a prescription for a desensitizing toothpaste with your dentist.
- Address Bruxism: If you have a history of chronic tooth grinding (bruxism), it can quite literally destroy your teeth, wear down tooth enamel, and cause cracks and sensitivity. However, something as simple as wearing a custom nightguard can save your pearly whites!
- Deep Cleaning: If your sensitivity is caused by exposed roots or gum disease, a deep cleaning (also called root planing) may be the most direct way to repair the damage done. Find out more about our gum treatments on our periodontics page.
- Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are beautiful, protective shells that are placed directly atop your teeth. They provide a protective layer against any food that may cause sensitivity, and they patch up open cracks or breaks in the tooth that may be exposing sensitive nerves.
Schedule a Consultation Today to Get a Comfortable Smile Tomorrow!
If you want a beaming smile that you’ll love to share, then contact the friendly dental team at Fairchance Dental Arts! We offer comprehensive and compassionate care that will meet all of your dental needs and help you reach all of your oral health goals.
If you’re experiencing severe dental discomfort, contact us immediately! We can provide life-changing services that resolve dental pain fast.