What causes tooth nerve pain and how is it treated?
If you’ve ever had tooth nerve pain, you now know how the saying “hit a nerve” came about. It’s because when a tooth’s nerve gets exposed, the resulting sensitivity, discomfort, and pain can be significant for many and overwhelming for some.
It can take the pleasure out of enjoying certain foods and beverages and ultimately be a sign of a deeper oral health issue. If this sounds familiar and you find eating to be a painful experience — consult your dentist so they can find the cause and treatment of your nerve pain.
How does tooth nerve pain occur?
To understand how your tooth nerve pain occurs, we need to understand our teeth and their surroundings. Enamel coats your teeth above the gum-line, while cementum covers it below the gum-line. They’re both tasked with protecting your dentine. Dentine is another layer of the tooth that sits below the enamel and protects the pulp. When dentine is exposed, the nerve inside the pulp can become stimulated, which can lead to irritation and pain. This pain can be caused by:
- Hot and cold foods
- Acidic and sugary beverages
- Biting and chewing
How Tooth Sensitivity Occurs
There are several different ways in which tooth sensitivity can occur, if you experience any of the below, you might want to consider booking an appointment at your local Karalee Family Dental Clinic.
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
Tooth sensitivity can be triggered in the same way as tooth nerve pain — by being exposed to certain foods and drinks.
Foods you should be mindful of:
- Hot beverages – Coffees and teas
- Cold beverages – Soda alcoholic beverages, juices
- Hot foods – Before consuming, allow them to cool.
- Cold foods – Steer clear from ice cream and other freezer items)
- Acidic foods – Pickles, tomatoes, citrus fruits
- Sugary foods – Cookies, candy, pastries.
How to treat nerve pain
The most important step is visiting your local Brassall dentist. Our team of professionals will go through an oral exam with you to determine where and how your pain is occurring. They’ll also recommend you to:
- Properly brush your teeth, ask your dentist today the most effective technique
- Use a soft-bristled brush
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
While food and drink give us nourishment, they also provide enjoyment. So be sure to see your dentist, stay up to date on your oral hygiene, and avoid foods and drinks that cause nerve pain. If you can do that — you’ve got nerves of steel.
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