Tooth sensitivity refers to a type of pain in your tooth that comes and goes, usually occurring when biting into a cold or sugary food item. Though intermittent, the pain often feels excruciating when it does happen. Even if you think you can tolerate this dental symptom, it could point to a larger dental problem that requires urgent care from your dentist.
Do not ignore sensitivity pain. You can feel encouraged to reach out to your dentist about the problem when you know more about it. Read on to find responses to frequently asked questions regarding the uncomfortable sensation of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sensitivity Pain?
Tooth sensitivity happens after your teeth sustain enough structural harm that the enamel, the outer layer, wears down or erodes. This reveals dentin, an interior layer of the tooth that contains nerves. This exposure means that stimuli can touch these nerves. That will then send pain signals to the brain resulting in tooth sensitivity.
Once enamel is gone, it does not regrow. So tooth sensitivity pain then will not go away on its own. In fact, enamel erosion and other dental damage could make you more vulnerable to other dental problems, so speak to your dentist about this issue urgently.
How Will My Dentist Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Enamel does not regenerate, but your dentist can still help you resolve tooth sensitivity symptoms. For mild cases of enamel loss and subsequent sensitivity, a dentist may suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste. It contains ingredients that block nerves from transmitting pain signals when stimulated so that you do not feel pain.
Tooth sensitivity can also occur if you have a cavity. When a dentist treats a cavity with a dental filling, this will get rid of uncomfortable sensitivity too.
The dentist might replace lost enamel through restorative solutions like a dental crown. This ceramic cap will create a shield over the thinned enamel and exposed dentin to stop stimuli from initiating sensitivity symptoms. Your specific treatment for this condition will vary depending on the cause of the issue.
Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
You can reduce your risk of developing tooth sensitivity with good dental care both at your dentist’s office and at home. Oral hygiene practices get rid of lingering residues that may otherwise eat at your tooth enamel and expose the nerves in dentin.
Remove plaque and other harmful particles by brushing your teeth twice a day at least, flossing each day, and visiting your dentist for routine teeth cleanings. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to catch early signs of cavities and other dental dangers that could hurt your teeth. And they can treat the issue promptly before you suffer lasting damage.
Pay attention to your diet too to protect your smile and prevent tooth sensitivity. Acidic and sugary foods and drinks can eat away at your dental structure, exposing dentin and harming your oral health.