Have you ever bitten into ice cream and felt a shock of pain in your tooth? This jolting feeling is tooth sensitivity. Though sometimes fleeting, the sensation can be excruciating.
You don’t have to suffer through this discomfort. Let your dentist know about this symptom. It could signify a larger underlying dental problem that needs urgent care. Read on to find responses from a dental professional to frequently asked questions about the tooth sensitivity condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Sensitivity
Why Does My Tooth Feel Sensitivity Pain?
Tooth sensitivity stems from the stimulation of nerves in the dentin layer of the tooth. In a healthy tooth, an outer shell called enamel covers the surface of the tooth. In this case, external threats can’t access dentin to generate pain.
But if enamel weakens, thins, or erodes, then dentin becomes exposed. Then stimulants like hot, cold, or sugary items, can reach the underlying nerves and send pain signals to the brain. Once the stimulus is removed, the pain may cease, hence the intermittent nature of this sensation.
What Causes the Weakening of Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is durable, but it may weaken for a number of reasons. Over time, sugary or acidic foods or lingering plaque from poor oral hygiene may eat away at the enamel. Dental problems like tooth decay may also contribute to enamel loss.
Once the enamel is gone, it won’t regrow on its own. This will mean that the pain from a sensitive tooth won’t go away without intervention from a dentist.
The issue may also be a symptom of a larger dental concern, like advanced decay. And it also indicates that the protective barrier of your tooth has broken. You shouldn’t suffer through or ignore tooth sensitivity. Contact your dentist promptly to address the problem or you might suffer further dental harm.
How Can My Dentist Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Treatment to resolve tooth sensitivity will depend on the cause of this pain. For mild cases of weakened enamel, your dentist might suggest using sensitive toothpaste. This product will block nerves from sending pain signals to stop uncomfortable symptoms.
More severe cases of damaged enamel might need a dental crown to replace the outer shell of the tooth. A dentist will also use a crown to protect a tooth after drilling away advanced tooth decay. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you before pursuing dental work.
Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
You can keep uncomfortable tooth sensitivity at bay by practicing good oral hygiene. Removing plaque promptly and effectively from your smile will prevent it from eroding the enamel of your teeth. This means you should floss every day and brush your teeth twice per day.
Make sure you visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings too. Your dentist can clear plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. They can also examine your teeth to make sure you don’t have cavities that can cause major structural damage without treatment.
How long does it take for sensitive toothpaste to work?
Most sensitive toothpastes start working within a few days to a week of regular use, but it might take about 2 weeks to feel the full effects. These special toothpastes contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that block pain signals to your nerves.
For best results, use the toothpaste twice daily as your regular toothpaste. Try rubbing a small amount directly on sensitive spots before bed. Don’t rinse it all the way out though. Leaving a little on your teeth helps the medicine work better.
Why do my teeth hurt when I breathe cold air?
If cold air makes your teeth ache, it’s a classic sign of enamel loss or gum recession exposing sensitive root surfaces. The nerves in your teeth react strongly to sudden temperature changes. People often notice this most in winter or in air-conditioned rooms.
Using a sensitive toothpaste can help. But if the pain is severe, you might need dental treatments like fluoride varnishes, bonding agents, or gum grafts to cover exposed roots. Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can also help when you’re outside in cold weather.
Can whitening my teeth cause sensitivity?
Yes, tooth whitening often causes temporary sensitivity because the bleaching agents can irritate nerve endings in your teeth. This usually goes away within a few days after stopping treatment. To prevent this, try using whitening products less often or for shorter times, and alternate with sensitive toothpaste.
Your dentist can also apply a protective fluoride gel before whitening treatments. If you already have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about gentler whitening options that won’t make the problem worse.
Why do my teeth hurt when I eat sweets?
Sweet sensitivity happens when sugar gets through tiny holes in your enamel or exposed root surfaces and stimulates the nerves inside your tooth. This often means you have early tooth decay or enamel erosion.
The pain usually starts right when the sugar hits your tooth and stops soon after you rinse it away. Cutting back on sugary foods helps, but you should also see your dentist to check for cavities or other problems. They might recommend fluoride treatments, dental sealants, or fillings to protect your teeth from further damage.
Learn more preventative dental care tips by visiting Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier. Call Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson today at 410-324-2294 or request an appointment online.