Do your teeth look as pearly white and straight as necessary for absolute confidence? If so, how do they feel? Unfortunately, even with a flawless appearance, your oral health could be in jeopardy, giving off symptoms elsewhere, such as fluctuating painfulness.
Having sensitive teeth may seem puzzling, especially if you have seemingly healthy gums and cavity-free teeth. However, some deep-rooted concerns may require a professional’s touch, so remember to ask during your next dental appointment at Coast Family Dental Currimundi in Currimundi Marketplace and the surrounding communities.
The Reasons for Sensitivity
Your teeth have protective layers covering them, from the enamel covering the soft tissues beneath the teeth’ surface to the cementum under the gumline barring bacteria from the roots. However, plaque, tartar, and food particle buildups from poor oral hygiene deteriorate these layers, leading to tooth erosion or decay.
Once irritants touch the exposed tooth dentin or nerves, you’ll feel a sharp electric shock. However, other reasons contribute to sensitive teeth.
Gum recession, usually from aggressive brushing or stiff bristles, causes the gums to shrink, exposing the cementum. Since the cementum isn’t as durable as tooth enamel, it’ll wear away effortlessly when revealed, leaving the sensitive roots vulnerable. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth also wears enamel while simultaneously placing force on the teeth’ roots, making them weaker.
Symptoms for Tooth Sensitivity
The most obvious indicator of tooth irritation is painful stimulation from hot, cold, acidic, or sugary food and drinks that shock the nerves. More delicate teeth also have issues with cool air or other objects, like a toothbrush glossing over the affected areas.
The discomfort shouldn’t last more than a few seconds or until the stimulating contaminants disappear from the sensitive teeth, but you should reach out immediately. Contact your dentist to eradicate this unnecessary ache and ensure your teeth aren’t weakening, paving the way for cavities or gingivitis.
Treatments for Relief
Some individuals need no more than a few at-home alterations to remedy the discomfort. For instance, swapping out a hard-bristled brush or using less force when brushing saves the enamel and keeps the gums from recessing, creating further fragility. Also, consider desensitizing toothpaste, like Sensodyne, to soothe nerves and create a dentin barrier.
If these don’t provide enough relief, make a dental appointment for a teeth and gums examination. If a decayed or cracked tooth is causing discomfort, filling it will immediately ease the pain. Similarly, a root canal and other dental treatments solve most issues under the gum line, like gum disease, preventing further irritation.
If nothing more than dentine hypersensitivity, your dentist will conduct fluoride treatments to reharden the enamel.
For a Sunshine Smile on the Sunshine Coast!
Our experienced and accredited team isn’t afraid to discuss sensitive topics, especially the ones in your mouth. We listen to each patient’s concerns without upselling—you can trust us with your sensitive teeth.
With state-of-the-art equipment, our family-owned and operated team of specialists offers modern, friendly care. Call Coast Family Dental Currimundi at (07) 5437 9000 in Currimundi, QLD, to book an appointment today!
