A few weeks ago we wrote a blog post about common causes of tooth sensitivity. That stinging, sharp, sometimes throbbing pain in your mouth that occurs when you drink or eat something hot or cold or a little too spicy or sour is quite unpleasant, but it can be treated with a visit to your dentist. During your appointment, he or she can use modern digital imaging equipment to spot tooth decay or other sources of tooth sensitivity. Together, you can develop a treatment plan and get back to eating and drinking your favorite foods without fear of pain.
To follow up on our previous post, we’d like to tell you more about these common causes of tooth sensitivity:
The Wrong Tooth Whitening Toothpaste or Teeth Whitening Treatment. In the quest for pearly white teeth, many choose a tooth whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment. The formulas in these products are generally developed to be a one-size-fits-all treatment, but that isn’t the case for many who find out they’ve developed tooth sensitivity as a result. The good news is that most tooth sensitivity goes away once you discontinue using these products. We strongly recommend that people speak with their dentist if they’re interested in whitening their teeth. Dentists usually have access to better teeth whitening treatments that will likely produce better results with fewer treatments and little or no sensitivity.
Grinding Your Teeth during the Day or at Night. Many people uncontrollably grind their teeth while they are asleep. Some people do it while they’re awake in the form of a nervous habit, as the result of an issue with the jaw, or for other psychological or physical reasons. If you’re a tooth grinder, you’re not only at higher risk for tooth decay, but you’re also on the path to painful tooth sensitivity. Grinding your teeth gradually exposes your layer of dentin, which provides a direct pathway to the tooth’s nerve.
You Have a Cracked Tooth. Many people with a cracked tooth won’t realize there’s a crack until they experience tooth sensitivity. Tooth cracks aren’t always painful like you might expect, but they do expose your sensitive tooth layers to bacteria, which can lead to infection and inflammation. Regular visits to your dentist will help you spot cracks before they turn into larger oral health issues.
Recent Dental Work May Be Causing You Pain. Some dental work, such as cleanings, crowns, or root canals, may cause additional sensitivity for a period of time after the work is done. In most cases, this will gradually subside. Most dentists will tell you to be mindful of tooth sensitivity during their post-op instructions, but if this is a special concern of yours, ask him or her what kind of sensitivity you can expect when developing your treatment plan.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope our blog posts on tooth sensitivity help you avoid this painful condition, whether they cause you to choose a glass of milk over a glass of orange juice from time to time, or help remind you to schedule an appointment with your dentist to get a cleaning and check for cracks. If you enjoy our dental tips, facts, and news, please like or share our Facebook page.