Sensitive Tooth Pain Troubling You? Even minor tooth pain can be a harbinger of serious problems – from gum disease to severe tooth decay. If you’re suffering from sensitive tooth pain, see your dentist right away.
Causes of Tooth Pain
There are many potential causes of tooth pain. Just a few of these causes are:
- Tooth decay, including old cavities that have already been filled. Silver fillings sometimes leak, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth, which in turn can cause sensitivity.
- Worn teeth. Our daily activities place a lot of stress on our teeth – chewing, brushing, and perhaps grinding them at night. Poor tooth or jaw alignment can exacerbate these problems.
- Gum recession, which exposes the root of the tooth.
- Teeth whitening can create tooth sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. If this is a problem for you, talk to your dentist about using lower-strength strips or trays. In addition, sensitivity from teeth whitening can also be helped with desensitizers given to you by our dental office.
What You Can Do
Minor sensitive tooth pain can be alleviated with at-home remedies, such as:
- If hot, cold and sweet liquids cause tooth pain, try drinking through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Use toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate, which helps reduce sensitivity.
- Brush properly. Use a soft-bristle brush and do not brush aggressively.
- If you grind your teeth, find ways to reduce your stress.
What Your Dentist Can Do
If tooth sensitivity is severe or lasts more than a day or two, see your dentist. Some of the steps your dentist might take in early stages of tooth sensitivity include:
- Recommending certain mouthwashes containing fluoride, which can help relieve sensitivity.
- Applying a bonding agent or sealant to the tooth’s root to reduce or eliminate sensitivity.
- In some cases, laser therapy can alleviate inflammation and pain.
- If you grind your teeth, you may have a bite problem or your teeth may not be aligned correctly. You may need a custom night guard or orthodontics from our Houston dental office.
Don’t Ignore the Pain!
Don’t try to “tough out” the pain. Tooth pain will not go away on its own, and the sooner you address the underlying problem, the easier it will be to fix, and the less expensive that solution will be. Schedule your consultation with our dentists in Houston today to diagnose your sensitive tooth pain problem and restore your healthy, happy smile.