Imagine you’re doing your normal morning routine of enjoying a hot cup of coffee. You breathe in the warm scent and excitedly get ready to take your first sip. The liquid gold warms your mouth, but then you start to feel sudden discomfort. You set the cup down, but your tooth is still hurting for what seems like a while after that first sip.
If that sounds familiar to you, then you know how tooth sensitivity can be frustrating to deal with. Hot or cold items are now a cause of dental discomfort, but when should you see your emergency dentist? Continue reading to learn when you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
When Should I Visit My Dentist About My Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t always require an urgent visit to your dentist. If the discomfort is inconsistent and goes away quickly, then you can most likely wait until your routine checkup to mention it. Thankfully, there are some things you can do, like switching to sensitive teeth toothpaste or avoiding hot, cold, acidic, carbonated, and overly sweet foods and drinks.
That being said, there are some cases where tooth sensitivity can indicate a more serious oral health issue. Here are some signs that it’s time to call your emergency dentist:
- Lingering pain for 15 seconds or more
- Visible damage or crack in your tooth’s enamel
- A darkened spot on your tooth
- Signs of infection, such as inflamed, red, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline, making your teeth look longer than usual
Why Is My Tooth Sensitivity?
The enamel of your teeth protects the underlayer called dentin. This layer has many tiny channels that lead down to your tooth’s nerve, and when it becomes exposed, they cause the tooth sensitivity you may know all too well. How can dentin become revealed? There are a few reasons, but a common one is that your enamel has weakened. Acid-producing bacteria, acidic foods, and teeth grinding can erode the top layer, leaving you with increased sensitivity.
Additionally, gum disease can be a cause as it can make your gums recede. Bacteria attack the soft tissue, exposing the roots of your teeth, which are covered by a substance weaker than enamel. That means that acids can break it down easier, exposing the sensitive dentin faster.
No matter the reason you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, your dentist can help find the root of the cause and fix it! With their help, they can give you back a pain-free smile that allows you to enjoy a hot cup of coffee without any discomfort.
About the Author
Dr. Viet Tran earned his dental degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. He made his patient’s comfort and care his number one priority, so he creates a customized treatment plan to get to that goal as quickly and effectively as possible. Dr. Tran is proud to have same-day appointments available if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. If you have tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or call us at (281) 493-0061.