The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
Simply put, tooth pain occurs when the nerves inside your teeth get irritated. Our teeth are normally protected by a layer of enamel. Beneath this is the dentin, and at the tooth’s core lies the pulp, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and the nerve. When the enamel is worn thin or damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve becomes vulnerable. Tooth sensitivity commonly results from various habits or conditions that wear down or harm the tooth enamel.
The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages– especially before bed.
- Skipping routine tooth care including flossing!
- Brushing aggressively or using a hard toothbrush.
- Attempting to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health issues (like bulimia or acid reflux) which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession.
- Damaged, cracked or chipped teeth.
- Dental cavities (especially if left untreated).
- Using tobacco products, cannabis products or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of some teeth whitening products.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, the primary and essential step is to visit your dentist. This visit allows us to eliminate other potential underlying reasons for your tooth pain and suggest appropriate treatments for any identified damage or decay. With an accurate diagnosis, you can be assured of taking the correct measures. Let’s outline the process:
Figure out the underlying cause
Our approach is thorough and based on facts. In your examination, we’ll ask you to detail the nature and frequency of the sensitivity you’re experiencing. It might be necessary to conduct new X-rays, and the dentist will meticulously inspect your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic methods, such as the tap test or cold test, might also be utilized to aid in accurately diagnosing your condition.
Treatment in the office
There are various restorative treatments available for teeth that are damaged or decayed, ranging from basic fillings to more intricate procedures like crowns. If you’re dealing with worn-down enamel, some treatments can be administered at home, but there are also professional in-office options. We will discuss all these alternatives with you, ensuring that you have the final decision in choosing the treatment that best suits your needs.
Personalized Advice
Tooth sensitivity can arise from a multitude of causes. After completing a thorough dental examination, your dentist will be able to pinpoint the specific cause for your sensitivity. Based on this, we can provide you with personalized advice and techniques that cater to your individual needs. These recommendations will focus on strengthening your enamel at home and helping to prevent future tooth decay.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine and other alcohols, fruit juice and fruits (especially citrus!), soda pop, tomatoes, pickles and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: chocolate, jams and jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream and an extra special second mention for juice and soda!
- Simple starches: donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers and cookies.
- Hard foods: chewing on ice, chewing hard candies, chewing foods that may contain a pit or hard kernel such as popcorn, cherries and olives.
- This doesn’t mean you need to avoid all these foods. Simply practice moderation and routinely clean your teeth, especially before bed.
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices. Cheese.
- Supper: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of veggies.
- Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta and berries, apple sauce.
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