Have you recently taken a sip of coffee or bit into an ice cream cone and found yourself dealing with an unpleasant sting? You may have tooth sensitivity, which is a condition that arises as a result of enamel erosion and can cause a fair amount of discomfort when your teeth come in contact with extreme temperatures.
If you’re in a lot of pain, you may even wonder if that tooth sensitivity constitutes a dental emergency, and whether you should call up your dentist as quickly as possible. If you’re curious, here’s a guide that may be able to answer that question for you.
Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are serious oral health problems that require immediate attention. They usually involve a fair amount of pain or a necessary oral appliance being broken. By that definition, tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion doesn’t necessarily constitute a dental emergency. However…
Do You Have A Dental Emergency?
However, if you’re experiencing really significant pain, your tooth sensitivity may be due to a serious underlying issue. You may have a cavity, or an infection may have found its way deep inside your tooth.
If the pain you’re experiencing is fairly constant but seems to be exacerbated by eating cold foods, as opposed to only happening when you eat, that could be a sign that something significant is going on. If you’re in serious pain, it would be worth giving your dentist a call to determine if it’s worth coming in for an emergency appointment.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
If you find that you have sensitive teeth and would like to do something about it, there are some options available to you outside the context of an emergency appointment. One of the best things you can do is to use toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth; these have been clinically proven to ease the discomfort that people feel from hot or cold foods.
You might also ask your dentist about fluoride treatment. While it can’t rebuild your enamel, it can strengthen the enamel you have so that it can better protect your teeth.
About Our Practice
At Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re proud to be able to offer our patients small-town comfort in the big city, meaning that we’ll get to understand you and your dental needs on a personal level. We work hard to strike a balance between offering comprehensive and conservative care, offering you nothing more or less than what you need to get back to perfect health!
If you have any questions about sensitive teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (919) 787-0355.