Sciota, Pennsylvania
You’re sipping on your coffee or sitting down with a bowl of your favorite flavor of ice cream and then it happens – you feel a sudden twinge in your teeth. Heightened and unexpected tooth sensitivity can spoil that refreshing moment. Although tooth sensitivity is rather common, it’s also something worth discussing with your dentist; heightened sensitivity could be a sign of a problem that requires treatment. Read on as, today on the blog, your Sciota family dentist at Chestnuthill Dental explores some of the potential causes of tooth sensitivity.
4 Causes of sensitive teeth
Deteriorated tooth enamel – Your tooth enamel is the outer layer of your tooth structure. It’s also one of the hardest surfaces in your body; it protects your teeth and safeguards the nerve and blood supply. Thinning tooth enamel leads to increased dental sensitivity. Your enamel wears away naturally with age, although a highly acidic diet or over-consumption of alcohol can quicken this deterioration. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers or even a crown may restore your enamel.
A cracked or chipped tooth – If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped or broken, then the interior structure or dental nerve can be exposed. This can cause discomfort, which may manifest as anything from a zing of sensitivity when you eat or drink something cold to a steady dull aching throb. Cracks in a tooth may not always be visibly obvious and may require X-rays to detect. Once again, bonding and veneers can repair minor flaws but even a tooth with a serious crack can be restored with a crown.
Cavities – A cavity forms when bacteria and plaque accumulate on a tooth, then eats a hole in the enamel of your tooth. Cavities may appear as dark gray or black spots on your teeth. If not detected, a cavity can do further damage to your tooth, spreading deeper inside the tooth and potentially infiltrating the interior structure. It’s common for a tooth with an untreated cavity to cause sensitivity. Your dentist in Sciots can repair cavities of small to intermediate size with a filling. For larger cavities, a crown may be needed.
Gum disease – Gum disease stems from a bacterial infection of your gum tissue. One of the consequences of gum disease is receding gums, which can expose the roots of your teeth and leads to heightened sensitivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that gum disease affects approximately half of adults over the age of 30. Luckily, Chestnuthill Dental offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment.
Comprehensive dental care in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Sudden dental sensitivity is nothing to ignore. It’s best to see your dentist at your nearest opportunity before that little twinge you feel when you’re drinking something hot or cold turns into a big problem for your oral health. Chestnuthill Dental is here to help. Led by Drs. Kenneth Chiusano and Mark Pugliese, our team of dental professionals is standing by. To learn more about any of the services we offer, make your appointment by calling our office at (570) 402-4001 or contact us online.
