Feeling pain in one or more teeth when you eat hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, can be disconcerting and prompt you to unnecessarily avoid certain foods. In some cases, tooth sensitivity, could be an early warning sign of a more serious problem.
Toothpaste that has been formulated with special additives like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to help mitigate sensitivity issues might offer some short term relief. However, you still should talk to Dr. Kaitilin Riley to help identify the possible cause of your tooth sensitivity issues.
Enamel erosion is one of the more common causes of tooth sensitivity. It is part of a slow process known as demineralization, where acidic foods and the natural bacteria in your mouth deplete the minerals of your tooth enamel on a microscopic layer. This weakens tooth enamel and creates microscopic channels that can expose the sensitive dentin layer inside the tooth.
Sometimes this process can be reversed by Dr. Kaitilin Riley administering a simple fluoride treatment or prescribe fluoride supplements to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Large or deep cavities in a tooth can also compromise or expose the sensitive interior. Having Dr. Kaitilin Riley repair the cavity as soon as possible can stop the spread of decay before it threatens the entire tooth.
A simple sinus infection, might seem mundane and unrelated to tooth sensitivity problems. However, chronic issues with sinus infections can actually apply pressure to the nerves in your face that are associated with nerves connected to the roots of your teeth. In a situation like the symptoms would be limited to just your upper teeth. Your physician can help explore your treatment options, which might include prescription decongestant can relieve the pressure on the nerves.
If you are having trouble identifying the source of your tooth sensitivity, please feel free to Dr. Kaitilin Riley us at 805-238-3880 to schedule an appointment.
