Sensitive Teeth Treatment Q&A

Teeth sensitivity is when sudden discomfort or pain is experienced, often brought about while consuming something that is very hot or very cold, or sometimes very sweet. If the teeth are extremely sensitive, sometimes just breathing in colder air will trigger discomfort or pain. The sensitivity is not often consistent, typically coming and going as the teeth are exposed to something that will cause the reaction. Brushing or flossing teeth, simply applying pressure to the source of the tooth sensitivity can also cause a shock of pain if severe enough.

Sensitive teeth are an indicator of exposed root or nerve in one or more teeth which send the signals to your brain that they are in pain. Nerves and roots become exposed for a number of reasons such as worn down tooth enamel, cavities, gum disease, a worn filling, chipped or cracked teeth, gingivitis, poor dental hygiene, or recent dental work. The sudden discomfort or pain is the exposure of the nerves or roots to hot or cold substances such as hot soup or ice cream. The sensitivity will typically diminish quickly but can increase in severity to the point of no longer being bearable to consume anything varying in temperature.

In mild cases, tooth sensitivity will go away without the need to visit a dentist, especially if the sensitivity is caused by poor dental hygiene. Simply getting better about flossing and brushing your teeth regularly, and introducing the use of toothpaste specifically meant for sensitive teeth can make a massive difference. If the sensitivity is caused by gingivitis, having a more consistent flossing routine will typically reverse it. Similarly, if the tooth sensitivity is a result of recent dental work, it should subside within a few days. If the sensitivity is persistent and affecting how you live your life day to day, it is recommended that you visit a dentist to have it looked at in case it is a cavity or infection for which the dentist can treat. Sensitivity caused by cavities often just require a filling or crown to stop the pain, but that has to be done by a dentist. If there is an infection in any of the teeth, antibiotics may be enough to eliminate sensitivity, but if the infection is bad enough, or caused by severe tooth decay or rot, a root canal may be necessary as treatment.

Tooth sensitivity does not always indicate the presence of an infection in a tooth, it is most often just caused by erosion, cavities, or gum recession. However, if the sensitivity is consistent, does not go away on its own, or is becoming too painful to continue living your life as normal, it is highly recommended that you visit a dentist, both for your comfort and safety. Tooth infections have other symptoms as well to help you figure out if that is the source of your sensitivity, such as a change in the color of your tooth, any swelling around your face, jaw, gums, or lymph nodes, worsening breath or having a sour taste in your mouth, a sore that is draining or leaking on the gum near the infected tooth, a throbbing or pulsing sensation that spreads to the rest of your mouth and surrounding area, and even a headache caused by the built up pressure from swelling and inflammation. Some people may even develop a fever or feel sick if they have an infected tooth. The only way to get rid of a tooth infection is through antibiotics, or the physical removal of the infection through a root canal, tooth extraction, or draining the abscess.

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