Imagine getting ready to dive into your favorite ice cream. You take the first bite and taste what some might call heaven, and then, all of a sudden, you feel a sharp pain in your tooth. You brush it off and later try to drink a hot cup of coffee when it happens again! Tooth sensitivity can be incredibly frustrating. It makes enjoying little things like hot or cold foods and drinks harder. You might think, “Should I go to the dentist? Is this concerning?”
In some cases, sensitive teeth very well can be a dental emergency. If you are haunted by tooth sensitivity, here is why it might happen and whether you should head to your dentist ASAP.
What’s Causing My Tooth Sensitivity?
Every tooth has a protective outer shell called enamel. Right underneath is a softer tissue called dentin with a bunch of tiny channels that lead to the tooth’s nerve. When the enamel erodes, it exposes the dentin and these channels. They are very sensitive, so hot or cold temperatures create the discomfort may know all too well.
Eroding enamel is the most common reason for dental sensitivity. The second is gum recession, which leaves the extremely sensitive roots of your teeth unprotected. So, what can cause enamel erosion or gum recessions? Some reasons could be:
- Enamel Erosion: cavities, eating lots of acidic foods
- Exposed Roots: Gum disease, oral infection
- Both: Teeth grinding or clenching
When Does Tooth Sensitivity Become a Dental Emergency?
For many people, tooth sensitivity does not require an emergency visit to the dentist. If the pain or discomfort is mild and inconsistent, you can likely wait until your next routine dental checkup to talk to your dentist about it. In the meantime, you can make some changes to minimize tooth sensitivity. You can switch to toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to repair your enamel and avoid certain items that are very acidic, carbonated, or sugary.
However, your tooth sensitivity can become an emergency in a few ways. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to call your emergency dentist:
- Pain that lingers for more than 15 seconds
- Visible cracks or damage to your enamel
- Signs of infection, such as red, puffy, or bleeding gums
- A noticeable dark spot on your tooth
- Your teeth look longer than usual, which could mean your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dental health. If you’re noticing uncomfortable tooth sensitivity, you should call your dentist. They can help you decide whether to come in right away or when it’s more convenient for you.
About the Author
Patriot Dental serves the Pensacola community with compassionate care. Dr. Lisonbee and Dr. Henry have over 40 years of combined experience. They offer same-day emergency dental treatments to those experiencing dental emergencies. If you have a tooth sensitivity that won’t leave you alone or want to learn more, schedule an appointment or call us at (850)477-1120.