Does the thought of drinking a hot cup of coffee or eating an ice cream cone make you cringe? Do you experience shooting pains when you chew your food?
These signs are all indications of tooth sensitivity, although there are two main types that can affect your mouth – dentinal and pulpal sensitivity. By understanding what is going on in your mouth, you can find the treatment method that will give you the most relief.
Dentinal Sensitivity
Dentinal sensitivity typically affects multiple teeth, and you can experience pain when you eat hot or cold food or expose your teeth to extreme temperatures. Even eating foods that are especially sweet can cause pain and discomfort.
Dental sensitivity can be caused by a variety of issues:
• Brushing your too aggressively
• Natural wearing of the outer surface of your teeth
• Receding gums
• Teeth whitening systems
• Poor dental hygiene, which can ultimately cause the dentin to be exposed
• Eating acidic foods, which can cause enamel erosion
• Cracks in old fillings
• Untreated cavities
There are two main options for treating dental sensitivity. First, your dentist could apply a fluoride varnish in order to ease your discomfort. Secondly, your dentist could suggest a laser treatment that reduces tubule sensitivity.
Pulpal Sensitivity
Pulpal sensitivity involves pain when you chew or bite. Unlike dentinal sensitivity, which is widespread, pulpal sensitivity usually only affects a single tooth at a time, and it can be caused by one of several factors:
• A recent dental filling
• Untreated tooth decay
• A broken filling
• A crack in the tooth
With pulpal sensitivity, at-home treatment methods like using sensitivity toothpaste aren’t going to help, so you should be sure to contact our office today.
Most likely, you’ll need a root canal in order to treat your sensitivity, as in many cases, your tooth will have a damaged nerve.