The reason why toothaches and tooth sensitivity are the most common dental complaints is because they can occur for a wide variety of reasons. For instance, you might have one tooth that hurts severely, or you may have several teeth that are growing noticeably more sensitive, and the cause for each could be vastly different. For patients in El Paso, TX, the key to alleviating the discomfort is to have their tooth sensitivity accurately diagnosed and treated by their dentist.
Your tooth enamel is too weak
The enamel that surrounds your teeth is their main line of defense against things like harmful oral bacteria and food particles. When its healthy, this layer of minerals is resilient enough to prevent your main tooth structures from feeling anything. However, when the enamel grows weak, your teeth will become increasingly more sensitive to irritation. If you have one or more teeth that begin to hurt more severely, then the enamel may be completely compromised.
You’re grinding your teeth too much
The most common thing to make tooth enamel weak is oral bacteria, which is why it’s usually addressed with improved hygiene and preventive dental measures. However, your teeth can also grow sensitive and painful if you repeatedly and relentlessly grind them together all the time – a condition that’s commonly known as bruxism. If left untreated, the condition can quickly lead to your teeth wearing down and becoming damaged.
Your gums are receding
When you have gingivitis, one of the first symptoms is the recession of your gums, or the pulling away of the tissue from your teeth roots. This allows oral bacteria to gather more forcefully between your gums and teeth, and it can also leave your sensitive teeth roots vulnerable to irritation and sensitivity. If your teeth roots hurt, then it may mean that you’re at an increased risk of experiencing severe gum disease and should seek dental treatment as soon as possible.
Find out what your toothache means
Your toothache could indicate a number of potential problems, and relieving it may require professional attention and treatment from your dentist. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.