Eating delicious food is one of life’s greatest pleasures; with so many possible recipes out there, there is almost no limit to what humans can enjoy with food. But, other external factors can limit people’s enjoyment, and one good example is tooth sensitivity. Not to mention that neglecting dental care can cause tooth decay and other issues; if this sounds like you, get beautiful smiles with the family dentist indialantic.
Eating is a pleasure, but did you know that a large chunk of the population has trouble enjoying their meals due to tooth sensitivity?
While many people have it, they can be quite normal and not much of an issue based on the intensity of symptoms. But, if you want to be sure about it, we’ll let you know how to determine when tooth sensitivity becomes too much and when you need to see a dentist about it.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Well, there can be two main reasons that this happens. First, the teeth are covered with enamel, a protective layer. When the enamel gets worn out, the teeth lose their protection, becoming sensitive.
The second case is having exposed tooth roots, which can cause a lot of pain. Here are other dental issues that can cause tooth sensitivity:
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis or inflammation of the gum can expose the root.
- Cracked teeth – Bacteria can gather inside cracked teeth, which can cause an infection that leads to sensitivity.
- Dental procedure – While dental procedures are done for dental health, they can sometimes be too much and cause your teeth to become sensitive.
Also, tooth sensitivity can also be caused by bad human habits, such as:
- Teeth grinding – Grinding your teeth is one of the quickest ways to cause tooth sensitivity, as it can destroy the enamel.
- Using the wrong type of toothbrush – Using toothbrushes that are not well-designed or those that have bristles that are too hard can damage the enamel.
- Eating acidic foods – Acidic foods cause enamel reduction, which is why they must be avoided if you already have a problem with tooth sensitivity.
When to go to the dentist
Although tooth sensitivity is a dental issue, most cases are not bad enough to need immediate medical attention. However, if you’re not sure if your case is bad enough, follow these tips to know if you already need to go to the dentist:
- Know when your teeth feel sensitive – This is necessary, as it can help you determine what’s causing your problem with tooth sensitivity. So, the next time you’re feeling pain in your teeth, take note of the time and see if there’s a significant pattern that appears. For example, you may feel your teeth are becoming sensitive exactly when you’re experiencing acid reflux, which can be the cause of the issue.
- Take note of what you consume – What you’re eating or drinking during the time your teeth becomes sensitive may not necessarily tell you what’s the root cause of your tooth sensitivity. But it can tell you about the specific triggers that make your teeth painful.
By knowing this, you can avoid the symptoms by avoiding the triggers. It’s just a short-term solution to escape the pain, and it will be better if you go to the dentist and get help for your condition.
- Sometimes, you just know – Sometimes, you don’t have to ask yourself complicated questions or take too many notes. If the tooth sensitivity problem causes too much pain that you can’t get on with your life, then you really need to see a dentist.
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity may not be the real problem, and can just be a symptom of a bigger problem. If that’s the case, you need to know about it as soon as possible and you can do that by having a checkup.
When you finally go to the dentist, make sure to let the dentist know about your history with tooth sensitivity. Tell the dentist about things such as when it first started, what triggers symptoms, and most especially, any previous dental problems.
While tooth sensitivity isn’t that big of a problem, letting it worsen over time is not the way to go. The only way to go is by seeing a dentist and letting them fix the problem.
Tooth sensitivity – prevention and treatment
Tooth sensitivity is a problem that plagues most of the population, and while some may be used to it, it’s still a problem that needs solving. There are many ways that you can do to prevent tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Good oral hygiene – It will allow your teeth to be clean most of the time, which will lessen the risk of infections that may cause tooth sensitivity.
- Regular visits to the dentist – With regular visits to the dentist, you will have the best dental care and avoid most dental problems.
- Proper diet – Tooth sensitivity may be caused by having the wrong diet or eating symptom-triggering foods.
- Using the right toothbrush – Using the right toothbrush can go a long way to keep your teeth clean without damaging your enamel.
If you or a family member is suffering from tooth sensitivity, you need to know that you don’t have to live life this way. Good dental health is just one visit with a Joondalup dentist away.
You don’t have to suffer not enjoying your meals or grimacing in pain because of your sensitive tooth. Contact Dentist Joondalup now and start enjoying life again!
Call us now at (08) 6323 2975 and schedule an appointment. We are open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 17:00.