7 Causes of Your Tooth Pain & What You Can Do

Do you suffer from tooth pain and/or sensitivity?

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Is taking a sip of your coffee met with a sharp pain in your teeth? Hot drinks, cold drinks, even the chilly winter air in Sarasota seems to set it off. While you may not know what causes such pain or how to prevent it, Drs. Jill Morris and Burr Bakke do, and they’re here to help.

Here are a few tips from the professionals at World Class Dentistry to help avoid the pain, once and for all.

Tooth pain and sensitivity are quite common; millions of people are affected. Symptoms occur when the enamel of a tooth is worn down and the gum line recedes, leaving an unprotected surface called dentin, which is exposed to everything that enters your mouth. This exposure allows the trigger to shoot straight to the nerve, causing the sharp, unbearable pain you may be feeling.

Tooth sensitivity may feel like a sharp pain in one or two teeth or constant discomfort in your whole mouth. The good news is, you can do something about it!

Some common causes of tooth pain:

Brushing Too Hard

Although you should brush thoroughly several times a day, go easy – applying too much pressure when brushing can contribute to enamel erosion. Using a new, soft-bristled toothbrush along with proper brushing techniques (like a circular motion) can make a huge difference in maintaining your oral hygiene without potentially harming the enamel or exposing the dentin around the gum line.

Tooth Grinding  (Bruxism)

Tooth grinding, either when awake or asleep, can damage enamel. It’s sometimes hard to know if you are grinding your teeth at night, however, a dull headache or sore jaw upon waking are tell-tale signs. In addition to causing sensitivity, bruxism can cause severe tooth damage, tooth loss, and other serious medical issues. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, speak to Dr. Bakke or Dr. Morris about using a dental mouth guard.

Harsh Mouthwash

It might be hard to believe, but certain over-the-counter mouthwashes actually contain acids and chemicals that can increase your sensitivity, especially when your gums have begun to recede. Don’t risk making your tooth pain worse! Use a neutral fluoride solution instead.

Potential Tooth Decay or Cracking

It’s possible a decaying or damaged tooth is to blame for your sensitivity. A sudden onset of pain may be a sign that one or two teeth, in particular, are in severe need of attention and repair. Regular visits to Dr. Bakke or Dr. Morris are vital to keeping up with proper oral health.

Plaque Build-Up

Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It can build up when proper flossing and brushing practices are neglected. A little plaque on the teeth is normal, but when it starts to build up, it could result in tooth sensitivity. Removing plaque that’s built up over time can be very difficult, so preventative measures should be a priority. Schedule a dental cleaning to remove plaque and avoid causing more damage to your teeth.

Acidic Foods and Beverages

You may notice that certain foods or drinks trigger your tooth pain. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, avoid drinking too much coffee, tea, wine, soda, juice, or other acidic beverages. Even certain foods with high acid content can contribute to discomfort. Sometimes, adjusting what you regularly eat and drink is enough to reduce your sensitivity, but it’s important to see Dr. Bakke or Dr. Morris and evaluate the underlying cause.

A Recent Dental Visit

It is entirely normal to feel some tooth sensitivity when leaving the dentist after a check-up or procedure. Teeth cleaning, crown placement, or tooth restoration can all cause discomfort, but this tends to disappear within a matter of days or weeks. If you’ve recently had a root canal or a tooth removed, this too will likely cause considerable sensitivity for several weeks.

Understanding these common causes of tooth sensitivity will help you manage and control your symptoms. With the help and guidance of the best cosmetic dentist Sarasota has, your teeth and gums can remain healthy and pain-free. Call World Class Dentistry for an appointment at (941) 923-636 to find relief for your tooth sensitivity.

About World Class Dentistry®

While almost all dentists do cosmetic dentistry procedures, not all have received the same training for producing superlative cosmetic results. Dr. Jill Morris and Dr. Burr Bakke of World Class Dentistry® have received the highest level training from the some of the most elite cosmetic dentistry training institutions in the world. Not only do their services stand out, Dr. Morris is one of only 350 dentists worldwide to achieve accreditation status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Bakke has received his fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantology. Both Drs. Morris and Bakke received fellowship with the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics.

Are you looking for a dentist in Sarasota? Years of experience and stunning dental success are hallmarks of a great dental practice. Both Dr. Jill Morris and Dr. Burr Bakke have more than 30 years of experience in private practice and have aligned their talents to create World Class Dentistry® and Facial Esthetics. With them, you can count on the finest cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry in addition to surgical dental implant placement, bone grafts, facial aesthetics and more. They get to know the individual need of each patient and together customize a plan for a lifetime of dental health. As a patient-centered practice, developing relationships is their main goal.

Source |  WORLD CLASS DENTISTRY | SARASOTADENTIST.COM