What Does My Tooth Sensitivity Mean?

Do you get sharp pains in your teeth when drinking hot or cold beverages? Do your teeth sometimes ache for no reason? Do you have a sharp pain in a specific tooth? If so, what does this tooth sensitivity mean?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem and can be caused by a variety of factors. This painful condition may be trying to tell you something about your dental health. If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold and seem to ache all over, this can be an indication that the protective covering on your teeth (dentin) has been worn away leaving your teeth exposed to stimuli. This wearing away of the protective coating on your teeth can be caused by consuming highly acidic foods such as wine, citrus fruits and juices, sports drinks, energy drinks and more. In this case, your dentist may recommend special toothpastes, rinses or other products that treat tooth sensitivity. There are also some products on the market that can be used to strengthen your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend that you cut down on the consumption of these foods and beverages and that you brush your teeth after consuming them.

If you have a sharp pain in a specific tooth, this could be a sign of tooth decay or infection. You may need a simple dental filling to treat a cavity. However, if the nerve and pulp on the inside of the tooth is infected, root canal therapy may be needed to remove the infected portion and seal the tooth to prevent further infection.

Do not ignore persistent tooth sensitivity as it might be trying to give you some important clues about your dental health. Instead, visit your dentist so he or she can determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend the appropriate treatment.