Have you ever experience tooth pain while eating something hot or cold? This is caused by the wearing down of tooth enamel and your gums receding. This exposure causes teeth to be very sensitive when dealing with extreme temperature changes. If this area touches something that is either too hot or too cold, it is normal for your teeth to hurt. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. At least 40 million adults in the United States have suffered from sensitive teeth. Did you know that the weather outside can also affect your teeth? If it is extremely cold outside, your teeth will react in the same way that they do when eating something cold.
When your teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, they expand and contract. This reaction can cause your teeth to crack, which causes intense pain that is comparable to the the pain you experience because of cavities and improper oral care. The exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits. Eating ice cream or having a cup of tea can be a painful experience for those who have sensitive teeth. The excessive consumption of food and beverages that contain acid can put you at risk for tooth sensitivity. Examples of these foods would be soft drinks and food that contain citrus. Bulimia and acid reflux can also result in erosion of the hard enamel and, thus, sensitivity due to excessive acid in the mouth.
When your teeth cracks, the vulnerable area that becomes exposed is called dentin. This area serves as the core of your teeth, with enamel above it and your gums below it. The sensitivity is due to the fact that dentin is surrounded in nerve fibers. Naturally, if you have sensitive teeth, you are more prone to experiencing said pain. If you do not practice good oral health or put your teeth through constant temperature change (whether it be consumption-wise or atmospheric), it is important to pay extra attention to your teeth to try to prevent this pain.
There are several reasons why the dentin could be exposed. Most have to do with the improper care of enamel and gums. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and consuming food with high levels of acidity can be the reason of this. Brushing too vigorously or using tooth whitening agents, which is intentionally positive, could also result in wearing down enamel. This sensitivity will most likely result in a dentist visit.
You should see a dentist whenever you experience any kind of tooth sensitivity. A dentist can also determine exactly which teeth are exposed to sensitivity and recommend an appropriate treatment or prescribe a special toothpaste or similar product. The solutions a dentist may offer include covering the root surfaces with a sealant or applying fluoride to strengthen the enamel. A root canal may be necessary if the tooth is deeply cracked or decayed. These are the best solutions in order to ward off pain for good.
