Temperature sensitivity affects many people, and if you’ve ever flinched due to tooth pain or discomfort when biting into an ice pop or taking a sip of hot coffee, you are one of them! However, even though it affects a large amount of people, living with pain is never normal. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we want everyone to enjoy life (and food and beverages) without worrying about the pain associated with tooth sensitivity. In today’s blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, will share some of the reasons your teeth may be sensitive, as well as the reasons why you should always talk with your dentist if you are experiencing discomfort associated with temperature.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Flinching when you eat something cold or drink something hot might be usual for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. If you experience temperature sensitivity, which causes your teeth pain or discomfort, it is likely due to one of the following underlying issues:
- Cavities, or tooth decay of any kind
- An old filling becoming worn down or loose
- Enamel wearing down
- A fracture, break, or chip
- Gum disease or gingivitis causing gum recession
- Exposed tooth roots
What This Means for Your Teeth
In all of the above listed reasons for tooth sensitivity, the direct cause of sensitivity is exposure of the inner parts of your tooth. When enamel wears down due to normal wear and tear, decay, a dental emergency like a break or fracture, or an old filling becoming loose or wearing down, or when your gums recede due to gum disease, the more porous layers of your tooth become exposed to everything that you eat and drink. This means that heat and cold can pass through those layers to the inside of your tooth, affecting the nerves inside and causing you mild to severe discomfort and pain.
How to Treat Your Temperature Sensitivity
While temperature sensitivity is common, if you have any amount of pain while eating or drinking, no matter how slight your discomfort may be, you should always contact your dentist. Sensitivity is caused by serious underlying issues, which can lead to even bigger problems in the future. So, while you may think your pain is manageable, waiting it out isn’t worth the more expensive restorative care you would end up needing in the future, and it definitely isn’t worth losing your tooth to decay. To treat your sensitivity, schedule an appointment at Mansfield Dental Associates so that we can diagnose and treat the cause while alleviating that symptom.
If You Are In Pain, Call Us!
When you experience dental discomfort or pain, you should call your dentist right away. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX, at 817-473-6227.
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