What To Know About Sensitive Teeth
Do you like to enjoy a nice, hot beverage on these cool winter mornings but experience some discomfort and sensitivity from the extreme temperature? If eating foods and drinking beverages that are extremely hot and cold bothers your teeth, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity issues. Although common to experience from time to time, when it is persistent, it may mean that you have an issue with your oral health. Continue reading to learn what tooth sensitivity could be telling you about the state of your teeth and gums.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
If you repeatedly find yourself cringing when you eat or drink something at an extreme temperature, your mouth is giving you a warning that you may be suffering from a serious oral health issue. Tooth sensitivity is often experienced when the tooth enamel becomes damaged in some way. Although tooth enamel, the outer covering of the tooth, is the strongest substance in the body, it is not indestructible. Compromised tooth enamel may be a warning that you have a problem such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Receding gums or an exposed tooth root
Ways to Help Tooth Sensitivity
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity issues and it isn’t related to a recent dental treatment, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible to rule out one of the issues mentioned above. There are changes that you can make at home to help ease your symptoms. The first is to evaluate how you brush your teeth. Be sure to use gentle, circular motions instead of vigorous, rough strokes. Regularly brushing in a rough manner can damage your tooth enamel. Check your toothbrush to be sure it is soft-bristled. You can also use toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and it has become bothersome or you are concerned, please reach out to our office located in Terre Haute, IN to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to meet with you to evaluate your symptoms and ensure that nothing more serious is occurring. See you soon!
