Common Issues Causing Sensitivity
Flinching from pain when drinking a hot or cold beverage is usually indicative of a deeper problem. Tooth sensitivity is often a symptom caused by one or more of the following issues:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Gum disease
- Worn down fillings
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Fractured teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
When the hard enamel (or, under your gums, the cementum) on your teeth wears down due to decay, or as gums recede, the layer underneath, dentin, is exposed. Dentin is softer and more porous than enamel and cementum, and can allow hot, cold, sticky, or acidic foods to reach the nerves and cells inside your teeth, causing the pain associated with hypersensitivity.
Toothaches
A toothache is a different kind of tooth pain usually not associated with a difference in temperature or with any certain food or drink. A toothache may start when you bite down, or it may seem to come from nowhere, but it can actually be caused by many oral health issues. Most often, the cause is a cavity or gum disease. However, in some cases, your pain may be caused by an abscess or an impacted tooth. If you experience major tooth pain, you should visit your dentist right away for emergency care to find the cause and keep your tooth from dying.
What Can I Do to Stop the Pain?
If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, the best thing to do for the continued health of your smile is to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you are experiencing extreme or sudden pain, the Dental Centre of Conroe offers same-day emergency visits to address the problem before it gets worse. Dr. Richards will examine your mouth for the source of your discomfort and check for any other issues that could be playing into your pain, and will create a plan of action with you to alleviate your symptoms as soon as possible. We understand the toll that these symptoms can take on your day to day life, and we will work with you to get your smile back in good health.
Have Tooth Pain Concerns?
Dr. Richards is committed to keeping your smile healthy and reducing your discomfort as soon as possible. If your teeth need emergency care, schedule a visit with the Dental Centre of Conroe by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, TX, and the neighboring communities.