Sensitive Teeth Tips From Your Emergency Dentist In Jacksonville

Relocating to Jacksonville was an excellent decision – you moved to Florida a few years ago to take a new position and finally live the beachside life you dreamt of. You couldn’t be happier – the close proximity of the water, the fresh seafood, and the nightlife all make this city perfect for you. However, when enjoying a night out on the town with friends and enjoying some fresh gazpacho, the cold soup made you cringe – your teeth have become more and more sensitive in the past couple of months. You’ve quit drinking hot coffee in the morning, and it looks like cold foods are out now, too. Why are your teeth so sensitive? And, more importantly, what can you do about it? In this post, learn the facts you need from North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, your trusted emergency dentist in Jacksonville.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive To Hot & Cold Temperatures?

Before Dr. Ryan Johnson and Dr. Baxter dive into why you experience dental pain and sensitivity, they like to explain what this condition actually is. Tooth sensitivity is the result of the stimulation of cells in the tubules in the dentin, or the inner layer of your teeth that’s just below your enamel. This causes a short burst of intense pain, especially when it’s exposed to hot or cold foods and beverages, or even the weather – taking a quick breath of cold air can cause the area to sting with discomfort. This same sensitivity can also occur when you eat sweet foods or even use some artificial sweeteners.

The main causes for tooth sensitivity are:

• Enamel Erosion
• Cavities
• Microscopic Cracks
• Receding Gums
• Oral Infections
• Acid Wear
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

What Can I Do If I Have Sensitive Teeth?

If you’re dealing with dental sensitivity, try these strategies to make your pearly whites feel better:

• See your emergency dentist in North Jacksonville – This is essential to determining the reason for your discomfort, as well as proper treatment. If an underlying infection in the root of your tooth is causing the tenderness, we can perform root canal therapy to end the pain immediately.
• Special Toothpaste – Switch to a brand of toothpaste that’s designed to treat sensitive teeth. Once we accurately diagnose the cause of the sensitivity, this may be all that’s needed.
• Take It Easy – a Many people brush too hard and for too short of an amount of time, rather than brushing gently for two minutes, twice a day. You can tell if you’re brushing too hard if the bristles on the brush are splayed out to the side at all – you should barely make contact with your teeth and always use a soft brush when you engage in your oral hygiene routine. Watch this short video to brush up on your skills – and be sure to floss at least once daily.
• Limit Acidic Foods. Citrus fruits, vinegar (even in salad dressing), red and white wine (as well as other forms of alcohol), and tomatoes can all cause acid erosion, so go easy on the pasta sauce.
• Guard Your Smile. If you grind your teeth at night, talk with our team about a comfortable nightguard, and, if you’re stressed out and grinding your teeth during the day, let us know – we can help with stress management techniques and even referrals to qualified professionals.

Now that you know what causes your teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold, schedule your appointment with North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry to end the pain today!