If you’re sitting there enjoying your morning coffee or tea, when suddenly, a stabbing pain jolts you out of your seat, then chances are, something is up. When you have a sudden change in tooth sensitivity, it’s more than just a coincidence. It’s usually due to an oral health issue that would benefit from being checked out by your local dentist.
Gum pain
Gum pain can either be caused by something simple or something more serious. Gum pain can be caused by rough flossing or brushing. If you’ve been flossing more vigorously than usual, you could try to tone it down for a few days to see if that changes anything. On the other hand, gum pain can be caused by something like gum disease, which comes from not flossing. A tip for preventing gum pain in this sense would be to start flossing and practicing proper oral hygiene. Gum pain could also indicate canker sores – the only cure is time.
Hot/Cold Sensitivity
Hot or cold tooth sensitivity can be incredibly uncomfortable. There can be a number of causes for this pain. This includes enamel erosion, which can cause tooth decay. Over time, enamel can become weaker. It can also weaken from things such as too much acidity in your diet, too much sugar, or acid reflux disease. By using toothpaste that has potassium nitrate, this can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth. Cavities can also cause hot or cold sensitivity, which will need treatment by a dentist. Lastly, your gums could be receding, which would cause gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or gum disease.
Sharp Pain vs. Dull Pain
A sharp pain could indicate any number of problems, including an abscess, cavity, or cracked tooth. Dull tooth pain is one of the most common types of tooth pain that’s felt. It can be uncomfortable, especially if it persists. This can be caused by tooth decay or nerve damage, so if it doesn’t go away on its own, it’s important to get it checked out by your dentist, whether you’re experiencing a sharp pain or dull pain.
Dr. Emma Wu & Associates: Cosmetic Dentistry
No matter what sort of tooth pain you’re experiencing, it’s incredibly important to get it checked out by a dentist, especially if it doesn’t go away on its own. If you have gum pain, hot or cold sensitivity, or a sharp pain or dull pain, you don’t need to suffer through it! If you’re suffering from tooth pain, contact Dr. Emma Wu & Associates today to learn more.