When you experience sensitivity in your mouth, it’s an indicator that you have an underlying dental problem that requires treatment. However, many people think sensitivity can only happen with your teeth, but this isn’t the case. You can also develop sensitive gums. Determining which is causing your discomfort, the teeth or the gums, will help to determine the underlying cause more quickly. As your dentist in Manchester Center VT, we have everything you need to know about tooth and gum sensitivity.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a fairly common complaint, which occurs when the hard outer layer of the tooth known as the enamel begins to weaken. As enamel begins to thin, the underlying layer of the tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. While tooth sensitivity is often caused by weakened enamel, the dentin can also become exposed from a receding gum line.
When you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s most often felt when the affected tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures or acidic foods and drinks. However, sensitivity can also occur when you inhale cold air through the mouth. While tooth sensitivity can often come and go, if you experience sensitivity, you should schedule a dental appointment. Often, sensitivity is the first sign of a cavity or even gum disease.
Understanding Gum Sensitivity
Gum sensitivity isn’t something that is widely discussed, however, it’s fairly common. Sensitivity of the gums refers to an irritation of the gums. Often, the irritation is caused from gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. When caught early, gingivitis is fully treatable and reversible without producing any long term damage.
If you’re experiencing gum sensitivity, you should watch for additional signs of gingivitis, which include gum swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. Often, those with gum disease will have bad breath. Should gum disease go untreated for too long, it will eventually cause the gum line to recede. As a result, tooth sensitivity will then develop.
Your Dentist in Manchester Center VT
The best way to stop gum and tooth sensitivity is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. A key part of prevention includes proper home oral hygiene. This involves brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day, while also consuming foods and drinks that are low in acid and sugar. In addition to your home care, you need to visit your dentist in Manchester Center VT at least twice a year. With regular checkups and cleanings, we will remove the bacteria that can cause gum disease and weakened enamel, stopping sensitivity before it starts. In addition, we can offer preventative treatments, like fluoride treatments, to help strengthen the enamel.
Even with the best care, gum and tooth sensitivity can still develop. If you begin experiencing either of the two, you need to schedule an appointment right away. We will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause of the sensitivity to provide the appropriate intervention or treatment. If you’re suffering from tooth or gum sensitivity, please call our office at (802) 768-9305 for an appointment.