Being sensitive can be a good thing. It can help you understand other people’s perspectives, or even to truly appreciate the meaning behind a kind gesture. But when it comes to your teeth, sensitivity isn’t a good thing. Especially if it’s a warning sign of a bigger problem. Thankfully, sensitivity doesn’t always mean there’s a dental emergency, but how do you know if it does? Here are some common reasons for it, and what you should do if it occurs.
Sudden Sensitivity
Sudden tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things, some serious, some not. For example, if you just had your teeth whitened you could experience it for a day or so following your treatment, but thankfully this should go away on its own. In other cases, however, it could be a red flag that you need to see the dentist as soon as possible, such as:
- If you experience throbbing pain that keeps you awake at night
- If you notice visible damage to your tooth such as a chip or crack
- If your mouth is bleeding
- If you have a loose tooth
These could all be signs of a tooth infection, so be sure to act as quickly as possible. Tooth infections can easily spread to other teeth and could eventually lead to the loss of the infected teeth.
Gradual or Constant Tooth Sensitivity
Another cause of sensitivity is enamel damage. This type of sensitivity can occur slowly over time, gradually building up to where you require treatment. Things that cause enamel damage can include:
- Enamel erosion
- Tooth grinding
- Chips or cracks in the teeth
- Gum recession
- Cavities
If you are experiencing constant sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out any urgent problems.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
If you are feeling more discomfort than usual, there are ways to treat it so you can enjoy your favorite foods without pain. Here are a few common solutions:
- Desensitizing toothpaste blocks the sensation of pain from the tooth’s surface to its nerves.
- A fluoride gel treatment from your dentist, which can strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Crowns/Bonding/Inlays, which can repair decay that could be encouraging sensitivity.
- A surgical gum grafting procedure can protect the roots of the teeth and reduce sensitivity.
- A root canal, which is used to heal tooth infections that could be responsible for discomfort.
Remember, sudden sensitivity does not mean that something is wrong, nor does gradual sensitivity, but if you experience either it’s better to be safe than sorry. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out any urgent oral health issues at once and you’ll be back to feeling great in no time!
About Our Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville, we know how much you care about your child’s oral health. That’s why we work with you to help make seeing the dentist a positive experience for them. We offer a full suite of dental services, including general exams, orthodontics, sedation dentistry, and emergency care.
If you need an urgent appointment for your child, please visit our website or call us today at 925-575-8878.