If you’ve ever felt discomfort or some level of pain after taking a bite of piping hot food, you’re not alone. Pain from extreme temperatures is often a sign of the presence of a cavity, but it’s also a common phenomenon in people with sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is discomfort or pain in one or several teeth as a response to stimuli like hot and cold temperatures. The problem may be either temporary or chronic and can range from affecting one tooth to several. There are many possible causes, but it’s easily treated by changing up your regimen for oral hygiene.
You may feel pain in your affected teeth’s roots due to these triggers:
- Hot and cold foods and beverages
- Sweet foods and beverages
- Cold air
- Coldwater
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Alcohol-based mouthwash
- Flossing or brushing teeth
The symptoms might come and go with a range of pain.
Certain people’s teeth are naturally more sensitive than others due to a thinner enamel—the outer protective casing of the tooth. The enamel can often be worn down by:
- Being too forceful while brushing your teeth
- Using a toothbrush with hard bristles
- Teeth grinding
- Regular intake of acidic foods and beverages
- Gastroesophageal reflux
Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by gum recession, where sections of teeth are left unprotected and exposed to the elements. Tooth decay or chips can also leave exposed dentin that causes localized sensitivity.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of tooth sensitivity, we can take a look at your teeth’ health and check for the root of the problem. We can do this during your routine dental cleaning, where you’d get a cleaning as well as a visual exam.
Mild tooth sensitivity can often be treated by OTC products. Toothpaste that’s specifically geared towards sensitive teeth includes desensitizing ingredients that numb the pain. You can also get softer toothbrushes and practice using a lighter hand when brushing your teeth. Just remember to stay patient in order to see improvements!
If the condition continues, we can apply prescription-grade desensitizing products or fluoride gel in-office to strengthen your enamel.
Get an appointment at Rapha Dental LLC so our experienced dentists can prescribe clinical toothpaste and mouthwash. We can also check your mouth for signs of potential cavities or root damage to treat it quickly before there are any complications. Symptoms include localized tooth sensitivity, sharp pain, staining, or spontaneous pain in the tooth.
Contact us for any queries, or book an appointment to get checked out today!
