Have you ever felt a jolt of sharp pain in your tooth when you bite into a cold or sugary food? This sensation is known as tooth sensitivity. Though intermittent and reliant on a stimulus, this pain can feel excruciating.
Tooth pain of any kind is not normal, so do not suffer through this feeling without telling your dentist. Your dentist can find the cause of this symptom and provide treatment accordingly. Read on to find responses from your Media, PA dentist to frequently asked questions about tooth sensitivity and the treatment for this issue.
All About Tooth Sensitivity
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is often a symptom of a larger dental problem. The pain occurs when the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth, wears down or weakens, exposing dentin, the interior of your tooth. Dentin contains nerves that will transmit pain signals to your brain when stimulated.
Thinned and weakened tooth enamel allows foods and other external elements to access dentin and stimulate the nerves, resulting in a jolt of pain. Even if you think you can tolerate this pain, you should contact your dentist for an emergency dental evaluation. The dentist can check the tooth to learn why your dental structure has weakened and then give you the treatment you need to relieve your pain.
How Will My Dentist Treat Sensitivity Pain?
As mentioned, the treatment your dentist will suggest may vary based on the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity. Enamel might erode due to factors outside your control like aging. But once gone, it cannot regrow on its own and will need dental intervention.
Mild cases of tooth sensitivity might be resolved by using a sensitivity toothpaste. This toothpaste contains ingredients that will block the nerves from sending pain signals so that you no longer feel discomfort.
More severe cases of tooth erosion might need a dental crown to replace weakened enamel. The ceramic cap will cover exposed dentin so that you will not feel pain any longer.
A cavity may also cause this type of tooth pain. In these instances, your dentist will treat this early form of tooth decay with a dental filling which should resolve your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the treatment that will best suit your needs.
Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
Sometimes, enamel may deteriorate due to factors outside of your control. But you can keep your teeth healthy by practicing good oral hygiene. Plaque will eat away at your teeth, so you should remove it promptly by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
Proper oral hygiene also includes visiting your dentist for routine teeth cleanings. During these appointments, a dentist will also evaluate your dental health to make sure you do not have early signs of dental problems that may progress to cause you pain like tooth sensitivity. Attend these dental check-ups every six months or as directed by your dentist.