If you are suffering from pain in Shelby Township, MI, Dr. Jennifer Fedon-Jehowski of Fedon Family Dental is available to answer your questions about the common causes of tooth sensitivity.
When your tooth is healthy, your tooth is protected above the gums by enamel and the roots are protected by a thin layer of cementum. When something goes wrong, the nerve can become exposed and this leads to tooth pain and sensitivity.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth sensitivity and pain. When the protective layer of the tooth gets worn down by bacteria in your mouth combined with poor eating habits and oral care, the resulting breakdown is called decay. Your Shelby Township, MI dentist can treat pain and sensitivity.
Cracked tooth
If you are someone who likes to chew ice, stop! Ice is meant to cool drinks and can cause damage to your teeth. A cracked tooth can be very painful. It can lead to infection and the tooth will need to be extracted.
Tooth grinding
Teeth grinding known as bruxism is a condition that can damage your teeth. The clenching and grinding happen when you are asleep. It damages both your jaw and your teeth. While there is no definitive cause, it may be the result of a stressful situation, sleep issues, or missing teeth.
Worn tooth enamel
When the enamel, which is the hard covering on the outside of your teeth, gets worn down, it allows bad things to happen inside your tooth. The nerves become exposed to irritants and it leads to sensitivity and tooth decay.
Gum disease
Gum disease can make your teeth really sensitive. If your gums are receding, you need to speak to your dentist about possible treatments. If you smoke, you should stop and you need to have good oral care every day.
Overzealous brushing
Many people feel that the harder they brush their teeth the better. This is not the truth. The recommendation from the ADA is that you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can opt for a manual or a powered brush. Both are effective.
Recent tooth whitening
One of the common side effects of tooth whitening is sensitivity. It is one good reason for getting it done professionally. Your dentist will make sure that the symptoms are minimal and will monitor them for you. When done under the supervision of a dentist, you should only have a few days of tooth sensitivity.
If you are suffering pain in Shelby Township, MI from tooth sensitivity, a visit to Fedon Family Dental and Dr. Fedon-Jehowski can help. Call the office for an appointment at 586-781-6508.