Tooth sensitivity leads to a sharp, shooting pain you may experience for seconds or minutes. This can happen while you brush your teeth, eat, drink, or talk. If you have tooth pain and you do not know its possible cause, you should visit a dentist in Vista, CA, as soon as possible. A dentist can determine the reasons you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and provide non-invasive treatments for it.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity commonly results from worn tooth enamel. A worn-down tooth enamel exposes the sensitive dentin in your tooth. This results in pain when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Also, sensitivity can occur due to minor trauma like a tooth crack or chip. Other causes include dental cavities, worn-down dental fillings, and gum disease.
Consuming some kinds of food or very hot or cold beverages or foods can worsen tooth sensitivity. Alcohol beverages, alcohol-based oral rinses, and acidic drinks such as soda and citrus juices can also exacerbate tooth sensitivity. While your tooth sensitivity has yet to be addressed by a dentist, you should avoid consuming or drinking items that can provoke dental pain.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
The right tooth sensitivity treatment for you depends on what’s causing it. You should have a dentist examine your sensitive teeth rather than try to treat the problem on your own. A dentist can determine the underlying problem that causes the issue and the appropriate treatment. Common treatments for tooth sensitivity include:
- Desensitizing toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste works by blocking the pain in your mouth’s sensitive areas. You can get it from your dentist or over the counter.
- Fluoride treatments. This treatment option can restore the enamel of your tooth and make the sensitive tooth stronger, blocking or minimizing pain.
- Dental bonding. This treatment covers up the exposed root surfaces of your tooth, stopping the sensitivity and pain.
- Root canal therapy. This procedure permanently eliminates tooth sensitivity. This is an ideal treatment option for serious tooth pain that does not go away after a few minutes.
If you are dealing with tooth sensitivity, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. You don’t want the underlying cause of the issue to get worse and lead to more serious complications. Your dentist will evaluate your dental situation to determine the cause of the sensitivity and treat it right away. Also, they may provide you with some advice on how to avoid future sensitivity.
