When you reach for your favorite ice cream or coffee, does your tooth start to hurt when you dig in? It may feel sensitive to anything hot or cold, but it can leave you annoyed when eating. The discomfort can be frustrating to deal with, so you might wonder whether you should schedule an urgent visit with your dentist to get it handled. Here’s what you should know and how they can help.

Why Is My Tooth Sensitive in the First Place?

It’s always a good idea to try to pinpoint the reason for your tooth sensitivity. In many cases, it’s because your enamel has weakened. The dentin beneath it will become exposed, and it has channels that extend to the nerve. When anything too hot, cold, sweet, or acidic touches it, it will be triggered, causing the pain you are familiar with.

This often happens when bacteria build up on your teeth, as they can erode your enamel over time. Your diet might also be to blame, as acidic foods can do the same. Gum disease might also be a culprit, as the soft tissues in your mouth can recede in the advanced stages. Your tooth roots are covered in a substance weaker than enamel, so dentin can more easily be exposed if it’s weakened.

So, Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?

With all that said, tooth sensitivity isn’t typically anything you need to stress about. Many people don’t need to see their dentist about it as it’s often inconsistent and doesn’t stay for long. In many cases, you may be able to wait until your next routine checkup and cleaning. You can try at-home remedies instead, like changing your diet for a few days or using desensitizing toothpaste.

However, if any of these are true alongside your discomfort, then it may be best to be seen by your dentist right away:

• Your sensitivity lasts for 15 seconds or longer.
• There’s visible damage to your enamel.
• You see a noticeable dark spot.
• Your gumline is receding.
• There are signs of infection, such as inflammation, bleeding, or red-looking gums.

If any of the above symptoms are true for you, then it doesn’t hurt to reach out to your dentist. In fact, any concerns you have are enough reason to call them. It’s better to be safe than sorry; that way, you can get back the comfortable smile you deserve to flaunt.

About the Practice

Are your teeth feeling sensitive? Our team at Dix Hills Family Dentistry is here to help you get rid of your discomfort with effective solutions. Led by compassionate dentists, we will pinpoint the problem and then give you the treatment you need for relief. Better yet, we are proud to offer same-day urgent visits, so you can get it as soon as possible. If your tooth is hurting, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at 631-673-8040.