Tooth sensitivity is a problem that's often overlooked, despite the fact that it's an early warning sign that something is wrong. While many people get nervous when they first notice problems with their teeth or gums and avoid going to the dentist, it's the last thing you should be doing. Going to the dentist when you encounter any of these teeth sensitivity signs is a great idea. Here's what you should look out for.
Acids
Not everyone experiences sensitivity with their teeth all the time. Oftentimes, it requires a specific trigger to set it off. One such trigger is exposure to food or beverages with a high acid content, like orange juice.
While there's nothing wrong with consuming these things, they can induce sensitivity in people who have problems with their dental enamel. The acid found in beverages and foods like orange juice can cause the enamel on your teeth to temporarily soften. When this happens with healthy enamel, there's not much of an effect or a feeling that goes with it. However, if your enamel is already damaged or too thin, you can end up with sensitivity or pain in your teeth until the acid is washed away and the enamel hardens again.
Cold and Hot
A very common sign of tooth sensitivity is having your teeth hurt only when you're eating something cold or something hot. Again, this is usually due to damaged or thin dental enamel.
Humans' bodies are hardwired to warn against any form of potential injury, including things like extreme cold and hot. Jerking your hand away when touching something with an extreme temperature is an example of this. However, when your dental enamel isn't as strong as it should be, you can end up feeling pain or sensitivity even when you're not in any danger. The nerves in your teeth are closer to the surface with thin enamel, resulting in intensified sensations.
Brushing
Finally, some people only experience dental sensitivity while brushing their teeth, at least at first. This is usually because brushing your teeth involves cold water, and the bristles moving across your teeth may be more noticeable than usual. This is an especially important warning sign, as if something as gentle as brushing your teeth is irritating them, it likely indicates that there's very little enamel left and the interior surfaces of your teeth are in danger of being exposed.
If you notice any of these issues, don't hesitate to reach out to a dentist. Getting help soon can make your treatment shorter, easier, and less expensive, plus it can save you from a lot of discomfort.
For more information on tooth sensitivity, contact a dentist near you.
Share29 October 2021
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!