I'm getting some sensitivity when I eat and drink. What’s going on?!
It’s one of the most common problems people experience with their teeth: sensitivity.
At Narangba Family Dental, we understand this. It’s one of the motivating reasons we started this practice for the community of Narangba.
Some common reasons for tooth sensitivity and what may need to be done:
Dentine Hypersensitivity. Sorry about the weird name, I didn’t choose it. This is sensitivity caused by the removal of a microscopic debris layer that normally covers the surfaces of the tooth. This sensitivity generally feels like it’s coming from the part of the tooth that goes into the gum. And, the most common way to treat is by desensitising pastes E.g. Sensodyne, Colgate pro-relief. A little trick to improve results is to brush with these toothpastes, but also rub a small amount in the sensitive areas without rinsing it out afterwards. If this is the cause, relief slowly begins and is fairly normal within a few weeks.
Decay/Chipped tooth. Another very common reason for sensitivity is if a tooth has decay or has a chip. This exposes the inner part of the tooth which has little nerve endings, making it sensitive whenever you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet. Treating this normally involves some kind of filling or crown.
Cracked tooth. A less common reason, but one that happens enough is a crack in the tooth. An additional symptom you’ll sometimes get with cracks in teeth is a sensitive pain when you’re eating on a particular tooth occasionally. If you get to these soon enough, you generally need a crown/protective restoration, otherwise they can crack deeper into the nerve and the tooth needs to come out. Getting in early with these is very important.
If you are having sensitivity, it’s generally a sign you should come in and let us have a look for you. Hopefully it isn’t anything to worry about, but small problems become big problems if they aren’t seen quickly; and we want you to keep as many teeth for as long as possible.
