Albertville, AL
You’re sipping an ice-cold beverage or enjoying ice cream and then it happens. You feel that twinge running through your tooth, therefore spoiling your refreshing moment. In actuality, experiencing tooth sensitivity while eating or drinking something cold is quite common in adults. If you experience any level of heightened sensitivity, you should talk to your dentist to pinpoint the cause and determine how best to deal with it. While occasional tooth sensitivity is usually harmless, albeit irritating, sometimes tooth sensitivity points to something more serious that requires professional dental care. That’s why, today on the blog, our family dentists in Albertville share four common reasons teeth are sensitive and how we can help.
Thinning Enamel
This is the most common cause behind heightened sensitivity in your teeth. Enamel comprises the outermost layer of teeth. It’s also the hardest and most mineralized substance in the human body. That said, enamel naturally wears away as part of the aging process. But certain dietary and lifestyle changes, such as consuming foods and drinks that are highly acidic, accelerates the thinning process. When enamel deteriorates, it lowers the protection for the soft interior of your tooth, which results in increased tooth sensitivity. Now for the good news: there are dental treatments to fix this problem by covering the tooth, such as a crown or porcelain veneer. You and your dentist will determine the best choice for you.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
If one of your tooth cracks or chips, this can expose the interior structure even going as deep as the dental nerve. In these situations, you’re likely to experience some level of discomfort, ranging from a zing of pain to a continuous dull ache. Even if you see visual evidence of a cracked or chipped tooth, any injury of this type requires a thorough examination by a professional and well-trained dentist to assess the level of damage. This often may entail taking X-rays. Choosing to ignore a cracked or chipped tooth may result in more damage, up to and including tooth loss.
Tooth decay
A cavity forms when harmful oral bacteria erodes your dental enamel. Left untreated, this area of decay spreads deeper inside the tooth and can even affect the adjacent teeth. Since a cavity forms when the enamel becomes compromised, it’s normal to experience tooth sensitivity as a symptom. Your dentist in Albertville can treat cavities of mild to moderate size by removing the decayed area of the tooth and then bonding a tooth-colored filling to restore the shape and structure of the tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the United States, affecting approximately 42% of the adult population over the age of 30, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control. This chronic inflammatory oral disease can result in receding gums, which exposes the roots of your teeth, which often manifests in pain or heightened tooth sensitivity. Advanced stages of gum disease require professional dental treatments to prevent the disease from worsening or doing additional damage.
Family Dentists in Albertville, Alabama
Tooth sensitivity might seem like a big deal but each of the conditions listed in this article require professional dental treatment. And if ignored, each of these issues will result in further damage to your teeth and oral health. If you experience tooth sensitivity, schedule a consultation with Wall Street Dentistry to rule out any serious dental conditions or get the most effective treatment for your case. Learn more or schedule your appointment by calling (276) 878-0525.