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Sensitive teeth, toothaches, and other forms of oral pain can vary from moderate to debilitating and may even be distressing enough to interfere with someone’s enjoyment of life. But if tooth pain is affecting your oral health and wellness in any capacity, there are effective treatment solutions that can help. The following information explores the most common causes of sensitive teeth, tooth pain, and toothaches, and offers information on how our team at Dental Express works to eliminate oral concerns to restore the comfort and oral wellness of our San Diego, CA patients.
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
When gum tissue diminishes, the root of the tooth previously protected by the gums becomes unprotected. Tooth roots have small channels called tubules that connect directly to the nerve center of the tooth. When stimuli like hot or cold temperatures or mechanical touch from a toothbrush come into contact with the tooth roots, the brain often interprets it as tooth pain or discomfort.
COMMON TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Experiencing sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures is extremely common for San Diego, CA adults and children and may come from a number of sources, like:
- Periodontal disease
- Teeth grinding
- Oral piercings
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Genetics and age
- Hormonal imbalances
- Tobacco use
- Bite misalignment
Our dentists at Dental Express in San Diego will recommend treatment for sensitive teeth based on the severity of the case, the source of gum recession (if applicable), and the extent of symptoms. Gum grafting may be suggested to return the gumline to a better position on the tooth and cover exposed root surfaces. Other situations may be best-treated with dental restorations to cover the exposed areas, such as with tooth-colored fillings or full coverage dental crowns. To ease tooth sensitivity in the meantime, topical solutions like sensitivity-formulated toothpaste, rinses, and fluoride varnish may be recommended. These products contain ingredients designed to block the tubule openings on the root surfaces and help prevent outside stimuli from reaching the nerve center of the tooth.
UNDERSTANDING TOOTH PAIN AND OTHER TYPES OF ORAL DISCOMFORT
Even though discomfort from freezing or warm temperatures could be a result of unprotected tooth roots, toothaches and different types of dental discomfort may occur from a number of conditions.
TOOTH PAIN OR TOOTHACHES
Dental pain and toothaches might present as dull, pulsating, or sharp piercing feelings. In some cases, it may be easy to pinpoint the exact tooth in which the discomfort is occurring, while in others, a generalized pain may be experienced. Tooth pain or a toothache may stem from oral problems like tooth decay (cavities), tooth abscess (infection), cracked tooth syndrome, or a bite discrepancy (due to uneven chewing surfaces or a high restoration). Even impacted wisdom teeth may cause oral discomfort as they try to erupt through the gums and bone. Tooth pain or toothache causes will be determined by our team through clinical evaluation and x-rays. Treatment to alleviate tooth pain and restore oral health will be dependent upon the type of oral problem present and may range from simple fillings or crowns to root canal pain treatment or tooth extractions. Rest assured, our professional team at Dental Express is always here to help San Diego, CA patients overcome the effects of tooth pain and enjoy a comfortable smile once again.
GUM TENDERNESS
The greatest cause of redness in the gums is inflammation as a result of periodontal disease. However, the gum tissues may also feel sore or tender from hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, or from a gingival (gum) abscess. A gum abscess can be caused by gum disease or even something as simple as having a popcorn kernel shell lodged between the teeth and gums. Treatments to alleviate gum tenderness often include gum disease care, improved oral hygiene efforts, medicated mouth rinses, or the manual removal of irritants.
JAW PAIN
Jaw pain is a symptom that might develop due to a range of conditions. Some of those most common include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) habits, impacted teeth, cysts or tumors within the jawbone, or bone abscesses associated with infected teeth. When jaw pain is affecting your health and comfort, the team at Dental Express in San Diego will examine your jaw, take diagnostic images, and evaluate your symptoms to determine the cause. Treatments for jaw pain are dependent upon the type of oral condition from which your symptoms are derived.
TMJ PAIN
Temporomandibular joint discomfort is a common symptom that a number of individuals have and might be a result of problems with the joint or in the nearby internal structures. Problems involving the TMJ may be due to a grinding or clenching habit, uneven tooth surfaces, sleep apnea, stress or anxiety, and a whole host of other potential contributors. Whatever your symptoms may be, our team will work with you to help identify the source of TMJ pain and assist you in receiving the necessary treatment to bring harmony back to your oral health.
PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM SENSITIVITY, TOOTH PAIN, AND OTHER ISSUES
Tooth sensitivity, pain, and various other dental concerns are symptoms that need to be assessed by a knowledgeable dental professional. Some cases of oral discomfort may be minor and relatively simple to treat, while others may be indicating more advanced concerns that require immediate care. Regardless of the source of your sensitive teeth, tooth pain, or toothache, our caring team of experienced dentists wants to help. Contact Dental Express in San Diego right away to schedule a treatment consultation if you are experiencing any type of oral discomfort. Our San Diego, CA facilities can offer ways to minimize your pain or sensitivity and get you back to enjoying better dental health and comfort as soon as possible.