Tooth Sensitivity Management
Muscle Shoals, AL
 Dental sensitivity affects nearly one in four individuals, causing pain and grimacing when these teeth are exposed to hot or cold or even acidic or sugary foods. Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable at best and painful at worst, depriving you of your enjoyment of your favorite foods or drinks.
The causes of dental sensitivity are numerous and varied, but regardless of the reasons for your sensitive teeth, there are several things you can do to break free from the associated discomfort.
At Singing River Dentistry, we understand your struggle with sensitive teeth and have several suggestions you can reach to finally start to feel relief from this unpleasant problem.
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What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are several different reasons why your teeth may be sensitive.
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For instance, acidic foods can start to wear away the enamel of your teeth, revealing your dentin and pulp.
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Overbrushing your teeth can also cause it, especially if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
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Not taking care of your teeth can also cause sensitivity, especially when people develop tooth decay, have extensive tooth wear, or gum disease.
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Cracked or broken teeth can also expose the insides of your teeth, leading to sensitivity.
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Teeth grinding and teeth clenching at night might also be a problem, too, for the millions of Americans who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and teeth clenching). We offer bruxism treatments for our patients suffering from this such as night mouth guards and dental splints to help provide jaw pain relief. |
What Are Some Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity?
Fortunately, just because you have sensitive teeth doesn't mean you have to endure it long-term. There are several options for pain relief available to our patients who have sensitive teeth. These include a variety of sensitizing products that can be obtained either over-the-counter or exclusively as a dental procedure in our office.
We also offer other procedures at our office to help you. We may provide a fluoride wash to help protect and strengthen your teeth. For exposed teeth, we may also advise bonding, which can help cover and seal vulnerable teeth.
For advanced tooth decay and gum disease, we may have to take a more aggressive approach. A root canal with a crown may be required for a tooth with a severe infection, and if your sensitivity is caused by exposed tooth roots, we may recommend gum graft surgery to help cover those delicate areas in your mouth.
Toothaches Should Never Be Ignored
Toothaches can have a range of causes, some more serious than others, but it's crucial to address them promptly. Ignoring a toothache in the hope that it will disappear on its own might allow a significant issue to worsen, eventually leading to the need for more intensive treatment.
Tooth Decay and Infection
Untreated cavities with tooth decay are frequent culprits behind toothaches. When a cavity forms, it creates an opening for bacteria to penetrate the tooth, leading to infection in the tooth's core, root, or surrounding gum area.
This infection can form an abscess, a painful, pus-filled pocket that irritates the tooth's sensitive pulp and nerve endings. Abscesses require immediate medical attention, as they do not heal on their own. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the mouth, posing serious and potentially life-threatening risks.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Symptoms of tooth decay can include:| • |
Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity to temperature or acidic foods indicates enamel compromise.
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Toothache: Persistent or intermittent pain suggests advanced decay.
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Visible Pits or Holes: Visible signs of cavities on tooth surfaces.
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White Spots: Early-stage decay manifests as white spots on teeth.
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Bad Breath: Bacteria buildup in cavities can cause persistent bad breath.
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Discoloration: Decay leads to tooth discoloration.
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Pain While Chewing: Discomfort during chewing may indicate cavities. |
Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay progresses through several stages:| • |
Demineralization: Acid erosion weakens enamel.
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Enamel Decay: Enamel becomes porous, forming cavities.
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Dentin Decay: Decay reaches the softer dentin layer, causing pain.
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Pulp Involvement: Decay reaches the tooth pulp, causing inflammation.
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Abscess Formation: Bacterial infection leads to abscess formation.
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Tooth Loss: Extensive decay may result in tooth loss. |
Treatment of Tooth Decay
Treatment for tooth decay varies based on the severity of the decay:| • |
Restorative Treatments: fillings, inlays & onlays, crowns, and root canal therapy address decay.
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Surgical Treatments: Gum grafting or bone grafting may be necessary for advanced decay. |
If you suspect tooth decay, seek prompt dental care to preserve your smile and protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain.
Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is one that fails to emerge fully through the gum line due to limited space or an obstruction. While not always painful, impacted teeth can sometimes cause a toothache or discomfort when chewing. If an impacted tooth is causing symptoms, extraction is often necessary, as leaving it untreated can lead to ongoing pain and potential issues with surrounding teeth.
Sinus Issues
Surprisingly, sinus problems can also trigger a toothache. The nerve pathways of your back teeth are closely linked to your sinuses, so a sinus infection might cause discomfort that feels like tooth pain. If your toothache is paired with symptoms like nasal congestion or ear pain, it could be a sign of a sinus issue.
Other Possible Causes
There are several other factors that can lead to a toothache. These include a cracked or fractured tooth, a damaged dental crown or filling, food particles like popcorn kernels lodged between teeth and gums, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and habitual teeth grinding.
These problems do not resolve on their own, so if you're experiencing any tooth wear or discomfort, it's best to contact our office for assistance. We can help you figure out what is causing it so that you can get a personalized treatment regimen for your sensitivity.
If you have tooth sensitivity, it's vital that you don't ignore it or try to treat it yourself. We will be happy to do a dental examination and provide you with a mouth guard, or other types of treatments which may help treat your tooth sensitivity.
Schedule with Your Muscle Shoals Dentist Today!
If your teeth are sensitive and you find yourself avoiding extreme temperatures or certain foods or drinks, please give us a call here at Singing River Dentistry at 256-712-3186 to schedule an appointment.
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