Health

Everything You Need to Know about Sensitive Teeth

Everything You Need to Know about Sensitive Teeth

Everything You Need to Know about Sensitive Teeth

You’ve noticed that your teeth are sensitive. You have a few spots that have been really bothering you lately. If anything hot or cold gets near your teeth when you are eating, you feel it. There’s been a dull aching affecting the same areas as well. You noticed sensitive toothpaste in the grocery store and decided to give it a try. You couldn’t believe the difference. After only a few days of switching toothpastes, your teeth have stopped bothering you so much. While sensitive toothpastes are effective in producing a soothing effect on the nerves of sensitive teeth, they are not getting to the heart of your problem. Chances are you are only masking an underlying condition with your teeth that need to be addressed.

What Causes Your Teeth to be Sensitive?

In many cases, tooth sensitivity is caused by a gradual breakdown of your enamel that allows the inner part of your tooth, the dentin, to be exposed. If your gums start to recede, this can expose the dentin as well. If exposure of dentin is your only problem, sensitive toothpaste used at least twice a day could be the right choice for you. If you have been using teeth whitening products at home, this could contribute to tooth sensitivity. The products can damage the enamel on your teeth, resulting in sensitivity. Stop using whitening products and see if the sensitivity goes away. If it doesn’t, there could be more going on behind the scenes.

You Could be Dealing with a Serious Problem

When you have persistent tooth sensitivity, you could be looking at decay in your mouth. Other causes of tooth sensitivity could be a damaged filling or you may have a root that has been exposed because your gums are receding. You may have a fine crack or chip in a tooth that is causing your pain. If you have pain that always returns if you fail to use your sensitive toothpaste, you could be looking at decay that is more involved. You’ll need a dentist’s help to find answers.

Don’t Ignore Pain and Sensitivity

If your teeth are bothering you, whether they ache or they are sensitive, don’t put off a visit to the dentist. You’ll be in the right place at the right time when your dentist has access to your teeth. This is the point when you can find out what is happening inside of your mouth.

Red Flags that Should Send You to the Dentist

In addition to tooth sensitivity, you may be experiencing bleeding gums when you brush. Bleeding gums could be caused by an infection and an abscess. You need to pay attention and call your dentist. The same holds true if you feel severe pain that won’t go away. When your pain is lasting and can’t be ignored, you could be dealing with damaged pulp in your tooth. This can affect the nerve of your tooth, bringing on a toothache that can’t be denied. You need a dentist’s evaluation to determine what is going on with your teeth.

Put Yourself in the Hands of Someone Who Knows Teeth

You are not qualified to be the judge of why your teeth are sensitive. You need to have a diagnosis from a professional. Your dentist is your best resource and will fully evaluate your teeth. This evaluation will include a physical evaluation and the use of medical imagery to determine what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth. Your dentist may find that you are dealing with issues because you grind your teeth at night. This can cause wear and tear on the surface of your teeth. Your dentist can recommend a mouth guard that will protect your teeth while you are sleeping. If you are simply dealing with enamel that is breaking down, you may find that a fluoride rinse on a daily business can help you. Otherwise, it may be as simple as using your sensitive toothpaste every day.

What to Do When Sensitive Toothpaste Isn’t Enough

Once your dentist has assessed your teeth, it will be possible to find out if there is an underlying problem that needs to be resolved. If you have minor decay, your dentist can do a filling to get rid of the deteriorated tissue and fill in the gap. If your sensitivity and any pain are caused by major deterioration, you may need a root canal. This especially holds true if you develop an abscess. You will need to take antibiotics first to address the infection in your abscessed tooth. Once the infection is cleared, you can have the pulp of your tooth removed, as well as the root, to help you to get rid of your discomfort. In the worst case scenario, the tooth may have to be pulled.

The Sooner You Come in, the Better

You need to pay attention to your teeth and see your dentist any time that you think there is a problem or something isn’t normal. The sooner your teeth are examined, the sooner you can find a solution to a problem. You can keep small issues from turning into something major. You may find that it isn’t anything serious at all, giving you peace of mind. Your dentist is here for you to help you to take care of your teeth. With proper care, you will ensure that they last a lifetime.

To find out exactly what is going on with your sensitive teeth, contact Dr. Marc Lazare‘s office. A welcoming atmosphere and caring staff will put you at ease as Dr. Lazare evaluated your tooth sensitivity to get to the root of your problem. Learn what you need to do next when you are in the care of one of the best.

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Jess Benoit

Jess is a homeschooling mama of 3, wife, gamer, Whovian, Nerd

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