In our previous blog post, Dr. Levine introduced tooth sensitivity. Below, Dr. Levine continues our discussion of tooth sensitivity by looking at 5 of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity. Unfortunately, if left untreated, these things can cause you a lot of pain.
1. Trauma/Injury – If your tooth (or teeth) sustain an “injury,” they may become extremely sensitive. Injuries will typically occur if you are playing a sport and not wearing a mouthguard, or biting into something that causes your tooth to crack or fracture. If your tooth is cracked or fractured, your sensitivity can be relieved by receiving a filling or crown. On the other hand, if your teeth are sensitive from sustaining an impact injury, this could take as long as months to fully subside.
2. Uneven Bite – Unfortunately, if your bite is not properly aligned, and teeth are meeting too soon or with too much force, they may become sensitive due to this repeated impact. This problem can occur for many reasons, including teeth shifting, loss of a tooth, loss of jaw bone, and more. If this is why your teeth are sensitive, a correction to your bite will eliminate the sensitivity.
3. Cavities – A cavity will cause sensitivity for the same reasons that a fractured tooth will. Also, like a fractured tooth, a tooth colored filling or other type of restoration will correct the issue.
4. Infection – If your tooth has been infected due to a cavity or other oral health issue, it will be extremely sensitive. In order for your sensitivity to subside, you must receive treatment for your infection. If you do not receive treatment, not only with the sensitivity continue, but other health problems may begin to develop.
5. Exposed Dentin – By far, the most common cause of tooth sensitivity is if your dentin has become exposed. If your teeth are healthy and strong, your tooth enamel will shield the inner layer of your tooth from any exposure. When your tooth enamel is healthy, you should not experience tooth sensitivity, and will develop fewer cavities as well. However, if your enamel is worn down, your dentin may be exposed, causing sensitivity. There are many things that can cause your enamel to wear down.
In our next article of tooth sensitivity, Dr. Levine will review some of the most common things that will cause your enamel to wear down and expose your dentin.
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If you are in need of a dentist in the Olney area, Olney Dental Center and Dr. Levine are always welcoming new smiling faces who want to get their oral health back on track! Contact us today to set up an appointment.