July is National Ice Cream Month and it’s Summer…so there is no better way to celebrate than indulging in this refreshing treat on a hot day.
However, eating a spoonful of ice cream can be a painful experience for people with sensitive teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry at least 40 million adults in the United States have experienced sensitivity at some time.
What causes sensitivity?
Your tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which contains microscopic fluid-filled tubules which stimulate tiny nerve endings when the fluid moves. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of your tooth, and cementum, protects the dentin within the root of your tooth, preventing this fluid from moving. According to the American Dental Association, sensitivity occurs when dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, exposing those tubules and hence, stimulating the nerve endings. This exposure can happen in the following situations:
- Worn tooth enamel from using a hard-bristled toothbrush and/or excessive pressure.
- Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages such as citrus juices and fruits and soft drinks.
- Bulimia and acid reflux can also result in erosion of the enamel due to acid in the mouth.
- Tooth decay, worn leaky fillings and broken teeth that expose the dentin of your teeth.
- Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed.
- Grinding your teeth.
It’s time to see a dentist if you experiencing tooth sensitivity and pain. Don’t self-diagnose. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Because pain symptoms can be similar, some people might think that a tooth is sensitive, when instead, they actually have a cavity or abscess that’s not yet visible.
Tooth sensitivity can be reduced or eliminated utilizing several treatment regimens, which including diet-modification recommendations, assessing your home care habits, applying desensitizing agents in the office as well as patient-applied products for home use; fluoride treatments, gingival grafts, or placing a restoration or crown.
There’s no need to agonize with tooth sensitivity. If you would like to learn more about your tooth pain or you need some help getting it under control, call us at 678.890.2555 or contact us here today. We would love to help you get back to a pain-free life so that you can enjoy your favorite beverages and cold treats with no worry about sensitivity and aches.