When drinking your morning cup of coffee, do you feel a twinge of pain in your teeth as you take a sip? Maybe you have stopped eating ice cream because the coldness causes you to pucker your lips? You’re likely experiencing tooth sensitivity. You’ll require a trip to your dentist in Ocala to identify the underlying cause. In the meantime, a sensitivity toothpaste can help ease your discomfort, but how does it work? Here’s what you need to know to stop your pain to enjoy your favorite foods again.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when there’s a sudden pain if the teeth are exposed to certain factors, like hot or cold temperatures, acidic foods, or inhaling air through the mouth quickly. The discomfort can be the result of a recent dental procedure, like teeth whitening in Ocala. Usually, the pain dissipates within a few days, but if the discomfort lingers or you haven’t had any dental work, there’s likely a larger underlying problem.
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by various issues, such as:
- Overbrushing
- Acidic foods
- Grinding or clenching
- Tooth-whitening products
- Excessive mouthwash use
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Excessive plaque
- Tooth fracture
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common signs of gum disease, a preventable infection of the gingival tissue. If it’s not treated, it causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed, leading to the pain.
No matter the cause, it’s best to visit your dentist to find the underlying issue for an appropriate treatment. A sensitivity toothpaste can help manage your discomfort while you wait for your appointment.
How Does a Toothpaste Stop Sensitivity?
Your teeth are comprised of 3 layers. The outermost layer is your enamel, which protects the dentin below it. The dentin contains tiny tubes that connect to the soft inner layer, called the pulp, which is the nerve center of your tooth.
Over time, your enamel can thin from daily wear and tear, decay, overbrushing, or other factors. This causes your dentin to be exposed, causing hypersensitivity. One of the most common ways to treat the sensitivity is with a special toothpaste.
Desensitizing toothpastes contain compounds that block the transmission of pain signals from the surface of the tooth to the nerve. After about 2 weeks of regular use, many patients report a significant improvement in their discomfort; however, you’ll still need to see your dentist to treat the underlying cause, like infection.
Stop Your Pain Today
You don’t need to live with tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will pinpoint the issue to help you get the relief you need.
About Dr. Daniel Weldon
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training in many areas of specialty, like oral and maxillofacial surgery and gum treatment in Ocala. He strives to help his patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles using modern dental care. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t wait to get the relief you need. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.