Here in the Kansas City area, this time of year can be a struggle for some. The beautiful fall weather is now turning to a deeper cold that will last through to the spring. For many patients, they begin to notice their tooth sensitivity concern when they first breathe in that crisp winter air. But the underlying cause might still seem a mystery!
It is important to identify what is causing your issue, as many differing forms of damage can leave your smile with serious discomfort. The most common cause is through the weakening of or damage to the enamel, or the hard exterior surface of the tooth. When this occurs, the vulnerable inner materials underneath become more susceptible to bacterial infection. Exposed nerves might also become irritated when coming into contact with the cold. Today, your Overland Park, KS dentist explains just some of the common causes of dental sensitivity, and what we can do to get you feeling better!
Losing Protection
Our enamel is one of the most interesting aspects of our health. This biological material forms the functional exterior of our teeth, allowing us to chew and speak. In addition, it protects some of the more vulnerable tissue within.
This material can be worn down or damaged in a seemingly endless amount of ways. One of the most common instances comes through tooth decay. This is when bacterial infection has grown significant enough that their acidic waste corrodes this matter.
Most likely, the solution for this comes from a root canal surgery procedure. During this operation, an oral surgeon performs what is known as a pulpectomy. This includes the removal of the fleshy interior of the tooth and seals the connection to your jaw. While this is very effective at removing pain, if we can attend to the situation before it comes to this, it is ideal.
Harming Yourself Without Knowing
Some of our enamel damage can come from activities that we perform unconsciously. One prime example of this is with the mechanism known as bruxism. This is any action of colliding jaws, such as grinding or gnashing of teeth. This can be seriously damaging to your smile!
The tops of the molars and incisors grow flatter due to a process similar to erosion. When this becomes severe, it can lead to the exposing of the same vulnerable areas that are affected by tooth decay. If this is a concern for you, speak with us about the possibility of a night guard to keep your mouth safe.
Call Us For More Information!
Contact Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS by calling 913-381-2600 to schedule your next appointment with our team and discuss how we can plan to protect your teeth as best as possible!