Although it’s normal to experience occasional tooth sensitivity, if you are noticing persistent discomfort that doesn’t go away on its own, this could be the sign of a bigger problem – and an important sign it’s time to visit your emergency dentist. Here are a few reasons why your teeth may suddenly hurt, and what you can do to stop it!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There can be many reasons why your teeth may suddenly feel sensitive. In most cases, it is due to some sort of stimuli reaching the sensitive inner dentin of the teeth. This can occur because of a variety of factors, including enamel erosion, small chips or cracks, receding gums, grinding your teeth, and even following the use of whitening products.
While technically none of these issues qualify as a dental emergency, many still warrant a visit to the dentist for a closer look, especially if damage or decay is visible to the naked eye.
If your sensitivity is caused by whitening products, try switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. These products restore the minerals stripped away by bleaching chemicals, rebuilding the enamel and helping to eliminate sensitivity.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
The good news is that not every case of sensitive teeth is a dental emergency. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to discomfort, please contact your dentist as soon as possible:
- Sensitivity in just one or two teeth
- A tooth infection.
- A loose tooth.
- A chip or crack in the tooth.
- Unexplained oral bleeding.
Although these may not seem serious, the truth is that in many cases tooth problems won’t heal on their own. Thus, it is important to treat them as quickly as possible to prevent them from worsening or spreading to nearby teeth and throughout the body.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
While not all cases of sensitive teeth can be prevented, here are a few best practices you can try at home to reduce your risk of it occurring:
- Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste.
- Limit your consumption of foods and beverages that are excessively hot, cold, or acidic.
Remember, occasional tooth sensitivity is nothing to be alarmed by. However, if you begin to experience it regularly, or if you have persistent discomfort in a specific area of your mouth, it’s time to contact your emergency dentist for assistance. So, don’t let dental pain stop you from enjoying the foods and beverages you love- contact your emergency dentist to treat sensitive teeth today and bring back your healthy, beautiful smile!
About Dr. Aptaker
Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his undergraduate degree at Rutgers University and both his master’s degree in biomedical sciences and his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University Dental School). If you’re experiencing persistent tooth sensitivity or any other urgent dental emergency, contact Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry for an emergency appointment by calling us directly at 732-223-9199.