Do you feel pain or discomfort when you bite down on something cold? What about when you eat something hot? If your teeth are being overly sensitive to different hot or cold foods, it’s possible you have a cavity. At Jesmine Boghawala DDS, we know how uncomfortable it is to deal with sensitive teeth. It can make daily habits such as eating, smiling, and talking too difficult. If your sensitive teeth are bothering you, there are several signs and symptoms that can hint at your need for treatment. Learn more about sensitive teeth and how your Cerritos dentist can help you.
Sensitive Teeth Symptoms
Pain when eating temperate foods can be a sign that your teeth have cavities. Typically, when a cavity occurs, you will find yourself being sensitive to:
- Hot and cold drinks
- Hot and cold food
- Cold wind
- Sugary or sweet foods
- Acidic foods
- Teeth brushing
- Mouth rinsing
Sometimes, these symptoms come and go. There may be a short amount of time when the discomfort seems to disappear, and you can eat something hot or cold without a worry. However, that doesn’t mean that the cavity goes away.
Worn Enamel
The above signs and symptoms can be a sign of a cavity, or they can be a sign of worn enamel. According to Colgate, one of the most common causes of dentin hypersensitivity (the medical word for tooth sensitivity) is over-zealous brushing. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel on the teeth, which is the protective outer layer. When this layer wears down, your teeth become exposed to sensitive foods and beverages that can make them too sensitive.
This can also happen with the use of an abrasive toothbrush or toothpaste. There are certain brands of brushes and paste that can lead to the wearing down of the enamel. In some cases, the enamel is more worn down in one place than in others. This might be due to grinding. Our dentistry staff can provide a complimentary consultation to determine the cause of your sensitive teeth, whether due to worn enamel or a cavity.
Cavity Treatments
If you have sensitive teeth due to a cavity, you can get a quick and easy treatment to fill in the cavity and prevent the decay from spreading throughout your mouth. This will also help you get rid of any sensitivities you may be feeling. Cavities can be treated using a number of advanced techniques, which remove the source of the rot and replace it with a tooth-colored, enamel-friendly filling.
If you are dealing with sensitive teeth due to brushing too hard or too quickly, you can obtain an over-the-counter treatment or get a dentist-recommended toothpaste to encourage enamel growth. In some cases, you may need dental-recommended treatments or an oral hygiene regimen that will allow you to strengthen your teeth while preventing them from feeling sensitive in the future.
When Treatments Aren’t Effective
If prescribed or over-the-counter treatments don’t work, you may be dealing with a root issue. When there is decay in the root, a root canal treatment is needed. This can occur in tandem with the following symptoms:
- Sharper pain rather than a dull pain
- Pain when biting down or chewing on something
- Pain that occurs spontaneously
- Dark blotches or stains on the teeth
If you are worried about the condition of your teeth, and your sensitivity isn’t going away, it’s important to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment in Cerritos
At Jesmine Boghawala DDS, we offer treatments that not only diagnose the root of the problem but ensure that your teeth are free from rot or decay. Whether you’re dealing with overzealous brushing or something more serious, our professional team can assist you as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Contact us today by visiting us online or by calling us at (562) 543-5106.
