Have you just had a sip of hot tea and felt a pang under one of your teeth? Dental sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects many people worldwide, but it can be more than a pain!
The term itself refers to discomfort or pain in the teeth when they come into contact with certain substances or temperatures. If you are experiencing dental sensitivity, it is essential to identify the signs early on to avoid complications.
If you notice discomfort for more than two weeks, you will need to see your dental team. So, what signs are you looking out for? Here are five signs of dental sensitivity to be aware of.
Discomfort when consuming hot or cold food and drink
Going back to that pang after drinking tea, one of the most common signs of dental sensitivity is sharp pain or discomfort in the teeth when you eat or drink hot or cold substances.
The sensitivity may occur suddenly and may last for a few seconds or minutes. As before, if you notice this sensation under the same tooth for more than two weeks, talk to your dentist Wagga as soon as you can.
Discomfort when consuming sweet or acidic food and drink
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If you experience discomfort or pain in the teeth when eating sweet or acidic food and drink such as citrus fruit, soda, or candy, it could be a sign of dental sensitivity. This is because these substances can erode the enamel, causing sensitivity.
While this may be the cause, it should still be investigated by a dental team, who may decide to paint fluoride sealants onto the affected teeth.
Do sweet drinks make you wince?
Soreness when brushing or flossing
If you feel discomfort when brushing or flossing your teeth, it could be a sign of dental sensitivity. This is because brushing or flossing can expose the dentine, which can cause pain or discomfort.
However, it is also possible that you are just brushing too hard, so be sure to attend a dental check-up to see which it is.
Sensitivity to air or pressure
Ever felt soreness when breathing in cold air? Not a good sign!
If you feel discomfort or pain in your teeth when you breathe in cold air or when you bite down on something hard, it could be a sign of dental sensitivity.
This is because the enamel on your teeth may be worn down, or your gums may have receded, exposing the dentine. Either way, your dental team will be able to resolve this with a sealant.
A twinge in a tooth or area of the mouth
If you regularly experience pain or discomfort in a particular tooth or area of the mouth, it could be a sign of dental sensitivity. However, if it is persistent, it could be caused by a cavity, cracked tooth, or gum disease, which can all cause sensitivity.
So, you guessed it, get yourself to see your dental team for a check-up. If they cannot spot an issue and the issue continues, they may need to conduct an X-ray to see the part of the tooth that is under the gums.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
