Tooth Sensitivity Can Be A Real Pain

Feb 21, 2024

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, but help is available, and you don’t have to suffer. Tooth sensitivity is frustrating and can also prevent you from eating the foods you love. Many treatments are available that will get you smiling again in no time. 

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

  • Enamel loss along the gum line

Clenching, grinding and brushing too hard can all cause the thin enamel along your gum line to wear away. A layer of dentin under the tooth enamel is made of tiny tubules acting like pathways to the pulp and nerve of your teeth. When dentin is exposed, signals are sent to the nerve in the form of pain, which indicates the protective enamel is no longer there. 

  • Tooth decay

If a cavity is not addressed, it can cause excruciating pain, and once the decay eats away at the enamel into the dentin, it can cause pain. If you do not seek treatment, it can reach the pulp chamber or nerve of the tooth, resulting in a constant ache made worse by sudden changes in temperature from food or drink. 

  • Fractured teeth/worn or missing fillings

A broken tooth or worn broken fillings will allow liquids, saliva and food to seep into the crack or hole in your tooth, causing discomfort. Even a small fracture can cause a lot of pain, so you must contact your dentist if you notice a fracture. 

  • Gum disease

Periodontal disease will cause your gums to shrink back and expose a protective layer covering the root of your tooth. Gums will recede and expose this sensitive area, which can cause extreme sensitivity, even when breathing cold air. 

  • Poor oral hygiene routine and skipping professional checkups

A poor oral hygiene routine can negatively impact the appearance and functionality of your smile, as will not seeing a dental professional for regular cleanings and exams. They can also cause tooth sensitivity. 

When you don’t brush well, plaque will build up on your teeth, harden, and become tartar. A homecare routine can’t remove tartar, and gum tissue cannot breathe with tartar and will shrink away from the root of the tooth, exposing the root to sensitivity and starting the gum disease cycle. 

Treatment

Good news! There are many ways to treat tooth sensitivity; many methods are quick, painless and cost-effective. Your dentist in Chatham may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel to help ease the pain. If the cause is clenching or grinding your teeth, they will recommend a mouth guard or nighttime appliance to prevent further damage to your teeth. 

Depending on the level of sensitivity and the cause, more intensive procedures may be needed to alleviate sensitivity, and root canals, gum grafts, or a crown may be required to fix the problem. 

Conclusion

Are you suffering from tooth sensitivity? Chatham Family Dental can help! We offer a number of dental treatments, including Invisalign, and welcome new patients to our practice. If you want to discuss a specific dental procedure or need to schedule a professional cleaning, contact our office today!