Although tooth sensitivity is a common problem, it should never be ignored. Those sharp painful sensations you experience when you drink or eat something hot or cold could be your body’s way of telling your something important about your dental health.

There are a myriad of causes for tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures and produce aching all over, this could be an indication that the dentin (or protective outer layer) of your teeth is worn down. Without dentin’s protection, your teeth stimuli are exposed. Acidic drinks and foods as well as medical conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia can cause the dentin layer to wear down, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

If you find that your pain and sensitivity is isolated to a single tooth, you need to tell your dentist so that you can be evaluated for tooth decay or infection. A simple dental filling can treat a cavity in most cases. However, if the nerve and pulp on the inside of the tooth is infected, root canal therapy may be needed.

Whether you are clued in on what may be causing your tooth sensitivity or not, it is important that you consult your problem with your dentist. There are special toothpastes, rinses and other products available that can help strengthen your tooth enamel and make your teeth less sensitive. In the mean time, avoid acidic foods and drinks to reduce future painful attacks on your teeth. It should never be an option to ignore your tooth pain; in many cases a small pain can quickly escalate into a bigger, more costly dental problem if a dentist is not involved.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Sarah Thompson, Soft Touch Dentistry

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