When the weather begins to turn, some patients will invariably notice that they are feeling their teeth more. Breathing in crisp winter air might not give you the brisk sensation that you were expecting. Instead, you may feel pain or discomfort. This might not just be in your head; some instances of dental issues can lead to this feeling!
Much of this sensation comes from the breaking down of our enamel. This is the incredibly firm outer surface of our teeth that gives us the functionality and protection that we expect. Tooth decay is one of the primary ways that this can become damaged, where acidic bacterial waste can fully eat through this protective surface. Bruxism, or the term for grinding and clenching, can wear this down through a process similar to erosion. Periodontal disease, or the infection of the gum tissue, can also lead to this situation. Whatever the cause, sensitivity is not something that you should ignore, as it can be caused by things that can lead to progressively worse outcomes. Today, your Grapevine, TX dentist explains how the cold can expose your weakened smile!
A Breakdown of Enamel
One of the first places to look in the development of sensitive teeth is within the health of your enamel. This is the bone-hard material that coats our structures. When this is worn or damaged in any way, it can leave the matter underneath exposed and vulnerable.
A primary place this shows is in the development of deep cavities. When bacteria grow within the mouth, they produce acids as their waste. This can break our oral matter down and leave us more susceptible to infection and pain.
Also be wary of excessive whitening procedures, especially those you can perform at home. Without appropriate supervision and examination, these processes can lead to damage!
Interior Infection
Periodontal disease can lead to immense amounts of pain. This is the infection of our gum tissue, and when this occurs, your gums may pull back from their normal location. Infection can then find its way in, from a different source.
Another common way this occurs is through a process known as bruxism. If you struggle with grinding, gnashing, or any other form of oral collision while you sleep, this can lead to serious damage over time. This action wears down the tops of your molars and incisors, and when this is severe, it will also expose the interior of your teeth.
The best thing you can do is to keep an open line of communication with your trained oral health professional. If any of these situations seem applicable to you, take care of them. It could prevent even further damage!
Be Proactive
If your smile is giving you problems, don’t let it continue! To learn more, reach us at Share Dentistry in Grapevine, TX today by calling 817-329-6000.
