Do you wince in pain when drinking cold water? Do sweet treats make you cringe? If you have sensitive teeth, you know even daily activities like brushing can cause discomfort. Sensitive teeth are common, but you don’t have to just grin and bear it. This article will cover causes, home remedies, professional treatment, and when to see an emergency dentist for sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth result when the layer of protective enamel wears down, exposing small tubes that lead directly to nerves in your teeth called dentin. This leaves nerves vulnerable to triggers like cold, heat, acids, and pressure. Several factors can lead to exposed dentin:
- Gum recession and eroded enamel from brushing too hard
- Cracks or chips from injury or aggressive chewing
- Dental procedures like bleaching treatments or extractions
Triggers for Sensitive Teeth
Common triggers that cause pain in sensitive teeth include hot or cold food and drinks. Sipping a cold glass of water or biting into a hot slice of pizza can cause sudden pain if you have sensitive teeth. Even sweet treats like ice cream are problematic, as the sugar causes discomfort in exposed dentin. Breathing through your mouth in very cold or hot air can also trigger jolts of sensitivity. Surprisingly, even just brushing or flossing your teeth gently can be painful if you have sensitivity.
The list of potential triggers is long. This makes living with sensitive teeth challenging. However, being aware of these common causes can help you take steps to minimize contact with triggers whenever possible. Pay attention to what tends to cause you pain so you can modify your diet and habits.
Tips to Manage Sensitive Teeth at Home
Luckily, you can take steps to manage sensitive tooth discomfort:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing
- Switch to desensitizing toothpaste with ingredients like strontium chloride
- Avoid acidic, sugary, or highly acidic foods and drinks which erode enamel like citrus, coffee, and soda
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth, as pressure exacerbates sensitivity
- Address cracks, chips, and cavities with dental fillings promptly
When to Visit the Emergency Dentist
See your emergency dentist right away if you experience unexplained sensitivity lasting longer than 2 weeks, severe constant sensitive tooth pain, or swelling around your gums. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying dental issue that requires prompt treatment. Sensitivity that persists for an extended period, throbs constantly, or is accompanied by swelling can signify an infection or advanced decay needing emergency care.
Catching issues early prevents worsening damage and saves you from more invasive treatments down the road. Your dentist can pinpoint the cause and get your sensitivity relief underway.
The Takeaway
Don’t let sensitive teeth limit your diet and daily dental routine. With proper care and prompt treatment, you can nip the discomfort in the bud. Pay attention to what triggers your sensitive teeth, and adjust your habits to avoid those irritants.
Find Relief from Sensitive Teeth in Sarnia
Is sensitivity ruining your favorite foods and drinks? Clearwater Family Dental provides treatment for sensitive teeth. As your trusted local dentists, we offer desensitizing services to help you enjoy cold items again without pain.
Our Sarnia office has the solutions you need to stop sensitive tooth discomfort for good. With professional strength fluoride, sealants, and fillings, we can rebuild your enamel protection. Regain your quality of life with our tailored sensitivity treatments.
Don’t live with constant dental pain. Clearwater Family Dental offers judgment-free care and comfort during procedures. Get to the source of sensitivity with our Sarnia team.
Contact us to learn more and schedule a visit – you’ll be smiling freely in no time.
