You feel a sudden zing of sensitivity when you take a sip of your favorite hot beverage or a bite of your preferred flavor of ice cream. This happens to most of us on occasion, but heightened dental sensitivity also can be a sign of a problem with your oral health that should be evaluated with your dentist. That’s why, today on the blog, we examine some of the causes of tooth sensitivity, how to deal with them and how your Palm Coast family dentist can help.
What causes sensitive teeth?
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Teeth that have cracks, chips or fractures are vulnerable to additional damage. If you do not repair, the damage can become more severe, and deeper damage runs the risk of affecting the soft interior of the tooth or even exposing the dental nerve. Dental bonding or veneers can repair these issues, while more significant damage may entail receiving a crown to replace the entire exterior of the tooth.
- Weakened Dental Enamel: Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body – even harder than your bones. As the protective outer layer of your tooth structure, your enamel safeguards your teeth from harm and forms a barrier of protection for the blood supply and dental nerve. Your enamel thins naturally as you age, but deterioration can be hastened if you eat and drink too many acids or drink too much alcohol. Bonding and veneers can repair areas of deteriorated enamel.
- Tooth Decay: When bacteria and plaque are left to linger on your teeth, these substances accumulate and eventually eat a hole in your enamel. A cavity may look like a dark gray or black spot on your tooth. Or, you may not be able to see the cavity at all. Meanwhile, an undetected and untreated cavity continues to eat away at the structure of the affected tooth, or potentially spread to impact an adjacent tooth. Dr. Stephanie Kinsey can repair a cavity by removing the damaged area and restoring the structure of your tooth with a filling made of either ceramic or a composite material.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease develops from a bacterial infection in the tissue of your gums. One symptom of the disease is gum recession; your gums start to pull away from your teeth, potentially exposing the roots, which can lead to heightened sensitivity. Palencia Dental can treat your gum disease in St. Augustine, whether it is in its initial stage, gingivitis; or the advanced stage, known as periodontitis.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity in Palm Coast and St. Augustine in Florida
If you are experiencing heightened sensitivity, there are a few things you can try on your own. Make sure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and switch to a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth. Also review your brushing technique; over brushing can deteriorate your tooth enamel and even lead to gum recession. Fluoride treatments can remineralize your teeth and strengthen existing enamel. A dental bonding treatment also can protect any exposed tooth roots or provide a protective shield for damaged enamel. Don’t let that twinge you feel when you drink a cup of coffee turn into a major issue for your oral health. Schedule a consultation today by calling 904-664-5254 or complete our online appointment form.
