You’ve been wanting to eat your favorite ice cream, or drink your precious coffee, but whenever you try, you feel discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is a common oral health issue that can keep you from enjoying some of your favorite things. It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of issues, some of which might need emergency care. Sensitive teeth could mean there is something underlying that should be addressed immediately. Here’s what your local dentist has to say.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Naturally, your teeth are protected by a hard, outer layer known as the enamel. Underneath the enamel is a soft layer called dentin, containing microscopic tubules with tiny nerve endings. When the enamel wears down, dentin becomes more exposed, resulting in extreme discomfort from certain stimuli.
The possible causes for enamel wear and tear are:
- Tooth decay
- Fractured teeth
- Gum disease
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
- Worn fillings
When Should I Get Emergency Care?
There are mainly two types of dental emergencies: the ones that progress over months and those that develop immediately. Here are a few situations that would require immediate care and ways to manage the damage until your visit.
- Chipped/Broken Teeth—Rinse the mouth gently with warm water, recover as many pieces of the tooth as possible, and manage any swelling with a cold compress.
- Knocked-Out Tooth—Recover the tooth, gently rinse it, and try putting it back into its place; if it won’t stay, keep it wet in a container of milk or saltwater and get to your dentist within an hour.
- Lost Filling/Crown—Seek dental care immediately to prevent the exposed tooth from developing decay or damage; rinse it and try placing it back onto the tooth using a small dab of toothpaste until you see your dentist.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
Fortunately, there are ways to treat sensitive teeth. Though proper oral hygiene is usually the key to preventing tooth sensitivity, your dentist may be able to help you treat your sensitive teeth with:
- Desensitizing Toothpaste—This product has specialized compounds that reduce sensitivity by blocking transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
- Fluoride Treatment— Getting an in-office fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel and reduces sensitivity.
- A Crown, Inlay or Bonding—These restorations are used to correct damage or decay that can result in tooth sensitivity.
- Surgical Gum Graft—If your sensitivity is caused by gum recession, a gum graft can be used to protect the sensitive tooth root.
- Root Canal—if sensitivity is persistent, severe, and lingers, you may have a tooth infection or abscess that can only be treated with a root canal.
Being aware of the various causes for tooth sensitivity is the first step towards preventing it. Seeing the early signs of tooth sensitivity through regular checkups can help you avoid any dental emergencies in the future.
About the Practice
NeoSmile Dental Care is located in Spring House, PA, where Dr. Farrell, Dr. Patel, and their team strive to deliver excellent patient care. As members of the American Dental Association, Dr. Farrell and Dr. Patel offer treatments such as root canal therapy and dental crowns for any tooth sensitivity issues. If you want to learn more about tooth sensitivity causes and treatments, visit their website or call 215-643-5220.
