What Causes Dental Sensitivity To Temperature & Pressure?
Have you ever drank a cup of hot coffee or bit into a spoonful of ice cream and suddenly felt a sharp pain? Or have you noticed that when you bite down certain teeth feel more sensitive? Tooth sensitivity is often an indicator of underlying oral health issues. When the enamel, or the outermost layer of our teeth, is stripped away nerves inside the teeth can become exposed. Tooth sensitivity has a variety of causes as well as solutions. In this article, we will cover how to prevent and treat tooth sensitivity as well as the causes of tooth sensitivity. Our office in North Andover Massachusetts provides dental services including treatments that can address the root causes of tooth sensitivity. To set up an appointment, please give us a call.
What Causes The Destruction of Enamel?
The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. It can be destroyed through a few different processes. Enamel does not grow back because it is not living tissue. Once enamel is lost it is lost for good. However, enamel that exists can be strengthened and healed through fluoride treatments and good oral care. The most common reason enamel breaks down is a process called demineralization. Basically, bacteria that sits on a tooth will chemically break down the enamel. This allows the bacteria to go deeper into the tooth until it gets to the dentin and eventually the tooth pulp where it can cause an infection. Tooth sensitivity especially to temperature is usually because there are gaps in your enamel caused by demineralization. Tooth sensitivity to pressure or chewing is often a sign that bacteria is deeper in the tooth and potentially infecting the roots of the tooth which is causing damage where the tooth root connects to the jawbone.
How Do You Treat Dental Sensitivity?
First and foremost, practice good oral care habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see the dentist at least twice a year. During those visits your dentist can look for signs that decay has spread to the tooth root or that there are dental cavities caused by bacteria destroying the enamel. Even if you do not have cavities or have issues with bacteria deep in your teeth, sensitivity might still be a problem. Your dentist might recommend special toothpaste that can help rebuild the existing enamel on your teeth. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also strengthen the teeth and prevent them from getting damaged.
Schedule A Dental Appointment in North Andover
For patients living in and around North Andover, our office can help them with oral care. A quick trip to the dentist is the best way to identify, treat, prevent, and track oral health issues. Our dental team can provide exams and X-rays that can find any dental issues and help correct those issues before they worsen. For more information, please contact our team to schedule an appointment with our dental office.
