Imagine it’s a hot day outside, so you decide to treat yourself to your favorite ice cream. You get ready to dive into the cold dessert, but after your first lick, you have a tooth that’s starting to hurt. The discomfort lingers, preventing you from fully enjoying it. If that sounds all too familiar, then you know how tooth sensitivity can be an annoyance. However, does this require a visit to your emergency dentist? Keep reading to learn when it might!
Is My Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?
This discomfort doesn’t usually mean you should rush to your dental office right away. When it’s inconsistent and doesn’t stay for long, then you are more than likely good to wait until your next checkup to bring it up. While you don’t need to schedule an urgent visit, you can try some at-home remedies instead. Try switching to a desensitizing toothpaste or avoid hot, cold, acidic, and overly sweet items for a few days.
However, there are some instances where tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a serious dental problem. If you notice any of the following, then calling your dentist right away can ensure your oral health stays strong:
- Discomfort that lingers for 15 seconds or more
- Visible crack or damage to the enamel of your tooth
- A noticeable dark spot
- Receding gumline, which makes your teeth look longer than before
- The signs of infection (red, bleeding, or inflamed gums)
What Made My Tooth More Sensitive?
Many people feel some tooth sensitivity when their enamel has been weakened, exposing the dentin underneath. This second layer has tiny tubules that lead down to the nerve, and cause discomfort you may know too well when anything hot or cold touches it. The bacteria in your mouth can erode away at your enamel, but acidic foods can as well. If you grind your teeth, then that may be the culprit.
Gum disease may also be to blame, as it causes the soft tissue to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. This part of the dental structure is covered with a substance that’s not as strong as enamel, meaning bacteria are more likely to erode it, exposing the dentin.
Regardless of why you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, if you have any of the symptoms above, then it’s important to reach out to your dentist. They can find the problem and take the steps necessary to get you back to a happy smile, letting you enjoy the hot days with some ice cream once again.
About the Practice
At Indy Dental Group, we know how sudden dental discomfort can be frustrating to deal with. If you find that you need urgent oral care, we are proud to have same-day appointments available to get you relief as fast as possible. Our experienced team of dentists will work to get your grin back to pristine and protect it. If you have some tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment or call any of our conveniently located offices.