Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Teeth have feelings too. You may occasionally experience a zing of pain when eating or drinking an icy cold beverage. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is nothing to worry about, and other times, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that requires professional dental care. Today on the blog, our Okemos family dentist shares why your tooth may be sensitive and what you should do about it. Find out if that zing in your tooth is cause for concern and treatment options for putting an end to your discomfort.
Tooth sensitivity is quite common, affecting adults between the ages of 20 to 40 most often. However, tooth sensitivity may occur in patients of any age. Symptoms may range from a mild twinge of pain that comes and goes to a dull ache that lingers. It occurs when the tooth’s nerve is exposed to stimuli. Worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth, teeth whitening treatments, or even a cavity could cause tooth sensitivity. The outermost layer of teeth is called enamel. It’s quite durable and provides protection or insulation from varying degrees of temperature and biting pressure. However, when the underlayers are exposed, the tooth becomes susceptible to discomfort from temperature changes, biting pressure, or even sugar.
Experiencing tooth sensitivity isn’t necessarily bad, but pay attention to when it occurs, how often, and the severity of it to determine if you should see the dentist. Here’s what could be going on with your tooth when you experience sensitivity.
Thinning Enamel
Enamel wear occurs as we age but can quickly progress if you have untreated TMJ disorder or bruxism. A bad bite from TMJ disorder or clenching and grinding your teeth actually could cause small abfractions in the enamel, causing it to flake off and create dents in your teeth along the gum line. Seeking TMJ treatment in Okemos or wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth against bruxism is a simple way to prevent thinning enamel in these cases.
Cracked or Damaged Tooth
Old fillings, loose dental crowns, or a microscopic fracture in your tooth could cause sensitivity. These aren’t always problems easily identified just by looking at your tooth, which is why routine dental checkups are necessary. Most of the time, a dental x-ray is enough to detect one of these common dental problems that cause sensitive teeth. In these instances, there often is treatment available to repair the tooth and prevent sensitivity from occurring again.
Untreated Gum Disease
Gum disease affects almost half of adults in the U.S. It is entirely preventable but left untreated, it leads to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss. If you experience gum recession along with tooth sensitivity, it could be early signs of gum disease, which can be treated by your dentist in Okemos. Practicing good oral care and getting professional dental treatments for active gum infections can stop gum recession and protect your teeth.
Ways of dealing with tooth sensitivity
The best way to deal with tooth sensitivity is to get it checked by the dentist to rule out any serious dental concerns. Past that, your dentist may recommend using a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste which helps seal the pours in your teeth, blocking substances that may cause those zings of discomfort. It can take using these products for a couple of weeks, and continued use, to reap lasting benefits.
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
If you’d like to learn more about stopping tooth sensitivity or want to find out if your tooth sensitivity is something more serious, contact our Okemos family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, by calling (517) 347-6733 and schedule an appointment. Dr. Tenaglia can assess your oral health and determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity, as well as recommend the best treatment so that you no longer experience tooth pain.