It’s a warm, sunny day and you’ve decided to treat yourself to a nice, cold iced frappuccino.
You take that first, refreshing sip and OUCH!
You feel a shocking pain in one of your teeth.
Yikes. Could that be a cavity? Or just some sensitivity from a cold, sweet drink?
Is it something that could be fixed by switching up your toothpaste, or do you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist?
Any kind of tooth pain can be bothersome and scary, but it’s important to understand the difference between cavity symptoms and sensitivity so you know the best course of action to take.
What’s the difference?
A cavity is a hole in the surface of the tooth caused by decay.
Tooth sensitivity is nerve pain in a tooth or several teeth due to exposed dentin (the layer under your enamel.) Usually, sensitivity is triggered by hot, cold, or sweet food or beverages.
What are the causes?
Plaque buildup specifically from sugary foods and drinks wears away at the enamel of the teeth and eventually leads to decay which causes a cavity to form.
Sensitivity is caused by either wearing down of the enamel or recession of the gums. Enamel wear can happen from aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, or consuming acidic foods. Gum recession can be due to gum disease, aging, or overly aggressive tooth brushing.
What are the symptoms?
If you have a cavity, you may not experience any symptoms initially. Over time, however, you might start to feel a dull ache in your teeth or jaw with occasional sharper pains with no obvious cause.
Sensitivity usually feels like short, sharp nerve pain localized to one or a few teeth usually triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks.
What are the treatments?
Cavities must be treated professionally by a dentist. Depending on the severity, your dentist might recommend a filling or a crown to fill the hole in your tooth. If the tooth decay affects the nerve, a root canal may be necessary. If you suspect you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist before it progresses!
Tooth sensitivity can be treated by something as simple as switching your toothpaste to a sensitive formula. Be sure to mention your tooth sensitivity and the triggers to your dentist for more personalized recommendations on the best treatment.
How do I prevent cavities and sensitivity?
The best way to prevent cavities and sensitivity is to make sure you have a consistent routine of brushing and flossing twice a day as well as regular dental check ups. It’s also helpful to brush after eating foods that are particularly acidic or sugary.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of cavities or sensitivity, request an appointment with our office today. We will take a deeper look into your symptoms and make a personalized plan of action to treat and prevent cavities and sensitivity.
References:
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities
- https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth
Leave a Reply