Do your teeth hurt more in the winter? Do you ever feel a twinge of pain when you sip a cup of hot coffee? If so, you may have sensitive teeth for many reasons. But having worn tooth enamel is the most common reason for tooth sensitivity.
Once you wear away the protective outer layer of your teeth, you expose the dentin beneath. That’s why it’s important to see our dentist at least every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. That way, she can check for these issues before they worsen.
Here’s what else you need to know about sensitive teeth.
How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last?
Most tooth sensitivity goes away on its own. But you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our dentist if your teeth are sensitive for more than a day or two. This could be a sign of a larger problem that our dentist should diagnose and treat.
You may have sensitive teeth due to:
- Brushing teeth too hard
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Dental plaque buildup
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Excessive teeth whitening
- Gum disease
Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain and Sensitivity
It’s not uncommon for more patients to report tooth sensitivity during the winter months. But this doesn’t mean that you should ignore tooth pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you when something is wrong.
If you experience tooth sensitivity that lasts for more than a couple of days, call us as soon as possible. The longer you avoid seeing a dentist, the more time you’re giving cavities or gum disease to worsen.
Related: How to Relieve a Toothache Until You Can See a Dentist →
Understand the Source of Tooth Sensitivity
could be a sign of a larger problem. For example, one of the first symptoms of gum disease is sensitive teeth due to receding gums. You may also experience sensitivity if you have a cracked or decayed tooth.
The sooner you see our dentist, the sooner you can discover what’s causing your tooth sensitivity. From there, Dr. Bandos will be able to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your oral health needs.
Don’t Wait to Schedule an Appointment
Never ignore dental pain or discomfort. Always schedule an appointment with us as soon as you notice . That way, we’ll be able to detect any issues before they have the chance to worsen.
Sometimes a patient may only need a small change in their routine to get rid of tooth sensitivity. For example, reducing the amount of sugar in your diet can help you avoid sensitive teeth. Having routine teeth cleanings can also remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Call Kalamazoo Smiles Today
Dr. Katherine Bandos is an experienced family dentist in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice.
To request an appointment, please call Kalamazoo Smiles at (269) 353-3700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon. We’d be more than happy to help!
This blog post has been updated.
