We understand the deep, severe pain you feel when your teeth contact anything hot or cold.
We know what it’s like when you experience shooting pain when breathing in cool air, and we know how eating “sharp” foods like potato chips can make you wince because your gums are tender.
These discomforts can distract you from everything else, until all you’re thinking about is the pain in your teeth and how desperately you want it to go away.
Sensitivity is a common problem for many people. But if you’re suffering from more than a twinge of discomfort, then that could indicate a more serious problem.
What could be causing your sensitivity?
Gum disease and sensitivity
If your gums are swollen, tender and prone to bleeding, then the underlying problem may be gingivitis: an early stage of gum disease.
When gingivitis goes untreated it may progress into periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease, that can lead to gum recession and potentially other health issues in your body.
Gum recession means that the gum tissue covering your tooth begins to wear away, exposing your tooth’s root. Because the tooth is losing the protection of the gum tissue, this can make your tooth more sensitive.
Bacteria can then build up in these spaces between the teeth and the gumline. Without treatment, serious damage to the tissue and bone structures of the teeth may occur which can lead to tooth loss or the need for a tooth extraction.
In general, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene habits that cause a buildup of plaque along the gumline.
Tooth sensitivity is a common sign of gum recession.
This is why we recommend you seek treatment if you’re experiencing sensitivity. It’s not a good idea to wait and see if the sensitivity dies down on its own.
If your discomfort and pain is intense, it usually indicates a more serious issue that won’t improve itself without professional attention.