Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, it may be time to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Shelby Township, Michigan. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of lost enamel, cavities, gum recession, and other oral health problems. That’s why it’s best that you call the Premier Dental Center at the first sign of dental discomfort.
Here’s what you need to know about tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Enamel is the protective, outermost layer of your tooth. Without enamel, there’s nothing to shield the more sensitive layer of dentin underneath.
Thousands of microscopic tubes make up the dentin in your teeth. Once you expose this dentin, heat and cold can travel directly to your nerves. Sticky or acidic substances can also sneak in these tubes, causing and heat.
You May Have Sensitive Teeth Due To:
- Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
- Excessive Teeth Whitening
- Teeth Grinding
- Plaque Buildup
- Gum Disease
- Cavities
- Chips or Cracks
- Infected Tooth Pulp
Most tooth sensitivity goes away on its own. But you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our dentist if your teeth are sensitive for more than a day or two. Sensitive teeth could be a sign of a larger problem that our dentist needs to diagnose.
How to Prevent and Treat Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, it’s important that you take action right away. Below are some of the top ways to .
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque will feed on the sugars left behind on your teeth. Then, these bacteria produce an acid that wears away your tooth enamel.
Dental plaque buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even infected tooth pulp. That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. You should also schedule a dental cleaning and examination with us at least every six months.
If you eat a lot of sugary foods, your teeth may feel “fuzzy” or “rough” from all the plaque on your teeth.
Seek Emergency Dental Care
Pain is your body’s way of saying something is wrong. For example, your tooth may feel sensitive if it’s cracked or starting to decay.
A slight twinge of sensitivity every once in a while isn’t an emergency. But you should seek emergency dental care if the pain persists. Otherwise, the underlying cause of your pain could worsen over time. For example, you may need a root canal if bacteria from plaque reaches the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the living tissue inside your tooth.
Related: How to Relieve a Toothache at Home →
Beware of “Natural” Teeth Whitening
“Natural” doesn’t always mean healthy. That’s why it’s important to talk with Dr. Nazarian before whitening your teeth at home.
A lot of trendy teeth whitening methods, such as activated charcoal, are not approved by the American Dental Association. In fact, activated charcoal and other abrasive substances can wear away enamel, making your teeth more sensitive in the long run. You should also avoid acidic teeth whitening methods, such as those that use lemon juice.
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, don’t hesitate to call our office. Our dentist can create custom teeth whitening trays that are both safe and effective. Custom whitening trays are also great because you can use them from the comfort of your own home.
Call Us For Relief From Sensitive Teeth
Dr. Ara Nazarian is an experienced dentist in Shelby Township, Michigan. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. To schedule an appointment, please call the Premier Dental Center at (248) 457-0500. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.