You’re not doing yourself any favors by ignoring tooth sensitivity that’s causing you to avoid certain foods like ice cream or soup due to their temperature. This tooth sensitivity could be easily resolved with a trip to Union Square Dental in Flatiron, New York.
Whether it’s a minor problem like a cracked tooth, or it’s a major infection, you need expert dental care.
Here’s why your tooth sensitivity matters and what can be done about it.
If you feel pain or shock when a substance touches your teeth, you have tooth sensitivity. Sugary, hot, and cold foods and beverages most often trigger the discomfort.
You could develop sensitivity to the touch of a toothbrush or alcohol-based mouth rinses. Many people experience temporary sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened.
One of the primary causes of tooth sensitivity is a cracked tooth. Other possible reasons
include:
Eroded tooth enamel may also be to blame. Though this outer shell of your teeth is incredibly hard, it slowly erodes if you grind your teeth, brush too hard, or regularly consume acidic foods and beverages such as citrus juice, sodas, and sour candies.
Any form of a crack in your teeth can cause sensitivity; it doesn’t have to be large or noticeable.
A crack allows hot, cold, acidic, and sweet substances to travel into the dentin (the tissue underneath the tooth’s enamel). From there, tiny channels in the dentin carry the substance directly to the pulp, which contains various nerves and blood vessels. These nerves trigger sudden pain as soon as they’re irritated by the substances you consume.
Your pain may be sudden and go away quickly. But, if you have pain that lingers for some time after exposure to triggering substances, it’s a sign you have a more serious problem in the pulp.
Weak enamel caused by a crack causes the tooth’s enamel to shift during chewing. This excess movement irritates the dentin and pulp, so you experience pain whenever you chew.
A crack in your tooth can also allow bacteria to seep into the pulp, potentially causing a painful infection.
If you have tooth sensitivity, schedule a checkup at Union Square Dental. Our dental team can identify the underlying problem and treat it before an infection develops.
If no problem is found, continue good oral hygiene habits. We often recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste or a fluoride treatment to solve the problem.
If you do have a cracked tooth, our providers customize your treatment plan according to the severity and location of the crack. Treatment also depends on whether the pulp is inflamed or infected. As long as you don’t have an infection, a dental crown, veneer, or bonding can cover the crack and restore the tooth’s strength.
If the pulp is infected, you may need a root canal to remove diseased pulp and replace it with a biocompatible compound called gutta percha. The affected tooth receives a crown to protect the vulnerable area so you can eat and speak normally.
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, make an appointment right away at Union Square Dental. Call the office or use this website to contact us.
