Are your teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures? Do they hurt when they go in and out of the weather or when drinking a cold beverage? Do you get exposed to root canals and gingivitis frequently?
When sensitive teeth are not treated, it can worsen. This leads to other dental complications. Not only can this cause pain and discomfort but affect people’s self-esteem.
So what can you do to relieve sensitivity in your teeth? Keep reading to learn more about temperature sensitivity in teeth and how to prevent it!
Tooth Damage
Damage to the tooth is one of the most common causes of temperature sensitivity in teeth. This tooth injury can be the result of tooth decay, enamel loss, periodontal disease, and certain dental treatments and procedures.
This includes root canals and crowns. It may also cause a tooth to become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. If dental damage is left untreated, it can lead to an erosion of the tooth enamel.
This protects the inner layer of the tooth, which can further lead to temperature sensitivity.
Cavities and Decay
Cavities and decay form a cavity in the tooth, which exposes the underlying dentin, the vascular part of the tooth. This dentin is sensitive to the temperature of food and liquids and can cause discomfort in the form of pain or sharp twinges.
In some cases, decay can even expose the nerves inside the tooth, further contributing to the sensitivity. Decay can create weakened areas in the enamel that are prone to absorbing hot or cold liquids.
Left untreated, cavities and decay can increase the tooth’s sensitivity and lead to infections, which can be painful and worsen the sensitivity even further.
To prevent these issues, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and get regular checkups with your local dentist office. With this, any cavities or decay are treated quickly and appropriately.
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum line recedes, leaving the root of the tooth exposed, and exposing the nerve endings. When these nerve endings are exposed to changes in temperature – whether it be hot or cold – the sensation of sensitivity can occur.
Other causes of temperature sensitivity in teeth include worn-out enamel, weak enamel due to heredity, or tooth erosion. The good news is that all these causes can be managed and treated.
Tooth Whitening
Each of these causes is exacerbated by a process such as tooth whitening and its link to sensitivity. This is because this treatment often involves strong bleaching agents.
This can dissolve tooth enamel and cause the dentin to become exposed. This can lead to pain when the tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures. It is as well as occasional sharp sensations that can be unbearable in some cases.
This sensitivity can often be prevented and alleviated if the bleaching products are applied professionally as well as proper oral hygiene is maintained, such as regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
Prevent Teeth Temperature Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity to temperature can be caused by enamel damage, gum recession, and other dental problems. Understanding the cause is the first step to alleviating pain and discomfort.
Make an appointment with your dentist to find the root cause of your temperature sensitivity and get relief. It’s so important to take care of our teeth and gums.
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