Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
A tooth that is sensitive isn’t shy about letting us know it’s sensitive. In fact, it lets us know in a pretty loud, zippy way when we sip on a hot, cold or sweet beverage or breathe in cold air through our mouths. You know the feeling — it feels like a “zing” of pain — and it’s usually nothing to worry about. But once in a while, a sensitive tooth could indicate a more serious issue that requires your dentist’s attention.
Through a simple oral exam, our Royal Oak family dentist can work to rule out several potential dental issues, which we list below. Keep reading to find out ways that we recommend dealing with sensitive teeth.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
The zing sensation that tooth sensitivity is notorious for happens when the tooth’s nerve is exposed to stimuli. Teeth have layers: a yellow “dentin” layer on the inside, and the white, durable shell known as enamel which is responsible for insulating a tooth from temperature variations. When the dentin under the enamel is exposed to stimuli, a tooth becomes susceptible to discomfort because of temperature changes, biting pressure or even sugary foods and beverages.
Here’s what could be going on when you experience tooth sensitivity:
- Thinning enamel
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — a disorder of the joints, muscles and ligaments that connect the jaw to the skull
- Bruxism — the clenching and grinding of teeth, usually during sleep
- Cracked or damaged tooth
- Gum disease
One way to determine what could be causing your tooth sensitivity is to visit our family dentist near Birmingham, but you may want to first try to narrow it down yourself at home by trying the following:
- Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
- Brush your teeth more gently
- Eliminate food and beverages that irritate your sensitive tooth
- Wear a mouthguard at night
Tooth sensitivity in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan
The very best call to make about a sensitive tooth is the one to our Royal Oak family dentist at Hartrick Dentistry, especially if you can’t seem to manage the sensitive tooth at home. Give us a call at (248) 712-1149, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.