Does your tooth seem slightly sensitive when you drink a hot or cold beverage, or bite into a hot or cold piece of food? Like most other forms of discomfort, toothaches occur with varying degrees of severity, from minor nuisances to serious, sometimes-debilitating aches and pains. Though minor tooth sensitivity might not be an immediate concern, it usually indicates a developing dental issue, and can quickly become an emergency situation if not addressed promptly.
The Reasons Behind Most Toothaches
When healthy and sound, your adult teeth consist of layers, the outermost of which (called enamel) is the most resilient and most mineralized substance your body produces. Typically, enamel protects the more sensitive layers of your teeth from irritations, like hot and cold temperatures, as well as from infections caused by mouth-dwelling bacteria. When enamel wears down and grows thin, a common result of poor hygiene and careless eating habits, your teeth can become increasingly more sensitive to warn you of the danger.
How to Find Relief
Treating tooth sensitivity is a personalized experience; effective methods depend on the nature of your condition. For weak, diminishing tooth enamel, Dr. Pizzi and Dr. Messina might recommend a few changes to your hygiene routine, such as;
- Using better toothpaste—Some toothpaste brands are designed specifically to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. Most contain fluoride, which bonds to thin layers of tooth enamel, as well as other hygiene-healthy ingredients. Be sure to check the packaging for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
- Eating with restraint—Remember the warnings that sugar and candy can rot your teeth? The same remains true for all foods containing sugar, starches, and fermentable carbohydrates, which some oral bacteria consume and convert into enamel-destroying acids.
- Maintaining a schedule of dental checkups—As careful as you might be when caring for your teeth, consistently good dental health (and strong teeth) requires a routine schedule of professional checkups and cleanings. The general rule is to visit the dentist at least once every six months, though Drs. Pizzi and Messina may recommend more frequent visits, if necessary.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
