Are Your Teeth Sensitive?
When you eat or drink something very hot or very cold, do you ever experience discomfort? You might feel this when you take a big bite into a delicious ice cream cone or when you take a sip of freshly made coffee. If so, you are experiencing what is commonly referred to as tooth sensitivity. Many of you have most likely experienced tooth sensitivity at some point. While it is common, it should not be something that happens frequently. If so, your mouth is giving you a warning that something may be wrong with your oral health. Read on to learn what conditions you may be experiencing.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
If you frequently experience discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity, your teeth are giving you a warning that you might have a problem with your oral health. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel, or outer covering of the teeth, is compromised or damaged. The only exception would be if you experience tooth sensitivity following a dental procedure such as a filling, crown, or root canal. In such a case, our team would have explained the likelihood of this occurring.
Unexplained tooth sensitivity may be caused by:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive teeth whitening
- Brushing too vigorously
A visit to our office can help determine the cause of your sensitivity. Before your appointment, we recommend checking your toothbrush to be sure you are using a soft-bristled brush. We also suggest using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. You can evaluate how you brush your teeth. Gentle strokes are all that are needed to ensure that you are brushing properly. If you are unsure, we can help explain proper brushing techniques during your next visit. If you are using any over-the-counter whitening products, we suggest stopping until further notice.
If you are experiencing frequent bouts of tooth sensitivity, we recommend calling our office located in Wayne, NJ to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to meet with you to evaluate your symptoms and ensure that nothing more serious is occurring. See you soon!
