Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Temperature?
Temperature impacts our body in many ways. When it’s hot out, we sweat. When it’s cold, we may shiver. Believe it or not, your teeth can also react to extreme temperatures through a phenomenon called tooth sensitivity. Since we’re currently dealing with freezing temperatures, our team at Today’s Dental wants to take a closer look at some of the causes for tooth sensitivity as well as share some sensitivity solutions.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity is often a side effect of damaged enamel. Your tooth enamel is the hardest surface in your body and the protective coating that shields your delicate inner tooth that contains a tender bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. Damaged enamel can expose the root and nerve endings inside your tooth and result in a painful, stinging sensation when your teeth are exposed to extreme hot or cold.
If Enamel Is So Strong, How Does It Get Damaged?
Even though enamel is tough, it can easily be damaged. One common culprit is tooth brushing: folks who vigorously brush their teeth are actually damaging their enamel during all of that scrubbing. Be sure to brush your teeth using gentle circles and a soft-bristled toothbrush for a full two minutes. Enamel can also be damaged by nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, so talk to us about a custom-fitted nightguard if you think you grind your teeth during sleep. Additionally, bacterial plaque in your mouth produces enamel-destroying and demineralizing acid when feeding upon your dietary sugar. Fortunately, an outstanding oral hygiene routine can help limit potential enamel damage: gently brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, floss every day, and visit our office regularly for professional cleanings and exams.
How Do We Treat Sensitive Teeth?
Our expert team has several ways of treating sensitive teeth, from remineralizing fluoride treatments to root canal therapy for severe cases. Depending on your situation, we may recommend incorporating a fluoridated mouthrinse into your at-home oral routine, a few changes to your diet, or an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. To ask our friendly team any questions about your sensitive teeth or to schedule an appointment at our office, contact us today!
