Should You Be Worried About Tooth Sensitivity?

Do you enjoy sharing a sweet treat with someone that you love? It can be fun to plan a date night to the local ice cream shop. But will you cringe when you bite into the ice cream because of tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem for people of all ages. Just because it is a common occurrence, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t talk to a dentist about your concerns. Here are a few things that you need to know about tooth sensitivity:

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Several things can lead to tooth sensitivity. One common cause is that the enamel of the tooth starts to wear away. Grinding your teeth or poor dental habits can cause erosion, leading to pain or sensitivity. Loss of enamel can cause the dentin to be exposed, which is an area where nerves are located.

When you eat or drink something that is hot or cold, it lights up the nerves in the dentin. As a result, you might feel a surprising shock when you are eating.

Another reason that tooth sensitivity can occur is that the root of the tooth is exposed. Gums protect the sensitive areas of the tooth. But gum disease can cause a recession, which often leads to sensitivity.

The final cause of tooth sensitivity is damage to the tooth. For example, a cavity or crack in the tooth could leave the tooth vulnerable to temperature changes. Fixing these minor problems can help you solve the problem of sensitivity.

What To Do About Sensitive Teeth

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, then you need to schedule a dental exam. We will rule out major problems that might be causing you to experience the pain or sensitivity. It is also important to ensure that you maintain good daily habits, which will protect your overall dental health.

Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in tooth sensitivity. Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent damage to the surface of the teeth. Also, you might consider using toothpaste that is designed to minimize sensitivity.

Another option is to pay attention to the triggers that lead to sensitivity and pain. For example, if you find that hot coffee causes too much discomfort, then it can be simple to let the coffee cool a little before drinking it. Some people find that soda or citrus fruits need to be avoided.

At Millennium Dental, we want to help you create a healthy, happy smile. Feel free to schedule a consultation so that we can help you overcome tooth sensitivity.