Hot coffee, cold ice cream… there are few people in Wilmington who don't enjoy at least one of these two delectable indulgences. But are sensitive teeth getting in the way of you eating beverages or foods that exist at the far ends of the temperature spectrum? If hot or cold makes your teeth ache and sting, read on because this article presents what Wilmington dentists have to offer in terms of explanation for and advice on tooth sensitivity!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity is quite a common problem affecting many people and is often triggered by eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. It can also be caused by eating certain foods, especially sugar-rich foods, and by brushing or flossing your teeth. What's important is that you have the exact cause behind your teeth sensitivity diagnosed and treated, because it could be indicative of a potentially serious problem.
One or more of the following factors often cause tooth sensitivity:
All of these factors could seriously compromise your oral health and could even lead to tooth loss if left unaddressed. It's for this reason that dentists urge Wilmington CA residents to book an appointment should they experience any kind of teeth sensitivity and discomfort.
Teeth Sensitivity: What's Actually Happening to Your Teeth?
Your dental enamel is meant to protect the softer portions of your teeth – the dentine – and the underlying pulp chamber from bacteria, acid and trauma. Unlike enamel, which is really strong, durable and impervious, dentine contains millions of microscopic tubules, which provide direct access into the heart of the tooth, where all the nerve endings are located. Healthy teeth, which are completely covered and protected by dental enamel, do not typically respond painfully to temperature extremes or pressure.
However, an unhealthy tooth that may have had parts of its dentine exposed through the loss of enamel – worn down, chipped off or exposed via a cavity – can experience discomfort and sensitivity. This is because there is nothing protecting the nerves of the tooth from direct contact with hot and cold foods and beverages, or sugary, sticky foods, according to Wilmington dentists. Those whose gums have receded from the crowns of the teeth, thereby exposing the roots, also commonly experience tooth sensitivity.
How Can Teeth Sensitivity be Treated?
As it was explained, there are many possible causes of teeth sensitivity. Any dentist in Wilmington CA will first diagnose the cause of your problem before recommending a treatment solution that will, in addition to eliminating the source of the problem, also address the symptoms. Treatment may involve the need for a filling, a surgical gum graft to cover up exposed tooth roots or even root canal therapy. A very useful mitigative technique is brushing your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste, which contains special agents that prevent the transmission of feeling from the tooth to the inner pulp chamber, where all the nerves are housed.
"The best way to deal with tooth sensitivity is to prevent is with a good and consistent standard of oral hygiene," says an experienced Wilmington dentist. "This is because most of the problems that cause this uncomfortable condition are linked with decay and infection."
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity is quite a common problem affecting many people and is often triggered by eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. It can also be caused by eating certain foods, especially sugar-rich foods, and by brushing or flossing your teeth. What's important is that you have the exact cause behind your teeth sensitivity diagnosed and treated, because it could be indicative of a potentially serious problem.
One or more of the following factors often cause tooth sensitivity:
- A fractured, cracked or chipped tooth
- Gingivitis or gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Dental cavities
- Failing fillings that require replacement
- Worn down dental enamel
- An exposed tooth root
All of these factors could seriously compromise your oral health and could even lead to tooth loss if left unaddressed. It's for this reason that dentists urge Wilmington CA residents to book an appointment should they experience any kind of teeth sensitivity and discomfort.
Teeth Sensitivity: What's Actually Happening to Your Teeth?
Your dental enamel is meant to protect the softer portions of your teeth – the dentine – and the underlying pulp chamber from bacteria, acid and trauma. Unlike enamel, which is really strong, durable and impervious, dentine contains millions of microscopic tubules, which provide direct access into the heart of the tooth, where all the nerve endings are located. Healthy teeth, which are completely covered and protected by dental enamel, do not typically respond painfully to temperature extremes or pressure.
However, an unhealthy tooth that may have had parts of its dentine exposed through the loss of enamel – worn down, chipped off or exposed via a cavity – can experience discomfort and sensitivity. This is because there is nothing protecting the nerves of the tooth from direct contact with hot and cold foods and beverages, or sugary, sticky foods, according to Wilmington dentists. Those whose gums have receded from the crowns of the teeth, thereby exposing the roots, also commonly experience tooth sensitivity.
How Can Teeth Sensitivity be Treated?
As it was explained, there are many possible causes of teeth sensitivity. Any dentist in Wilmington CA will first diagnose the cause of your problem before recommending a treatment solution that will, in addition to eliminating the source of the problem, also address the symptoms. Treatment may involve the need for a filling, a surgical gum graft to cover up exposed tooth roots or even root canal therapy. A very useful mitigative technique is brushing your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste, which contains special agents that prevent the transmission of feeling from the tooth to the inner pulp chamber, where all the nerves are housed.
"The best way to deal with tooth sensitivity is to prevent is with a good and consistent standard of oral hygiene," says an experienced Wilmington dentist. "This is because most of the problems that cause this uncomfortable condition are linked with decay and infection."
Source...