Tooth nerve pain takes many forms, from sharp stabbing to dull throbbing.
Tooth nerve pain takes many forms, from sharp stabbing to dull throbbing. Whatever form it takes, it is a major inconvenience and can take the enjoyment right out of even your favorite foods. Figuring out which foods aggravate your tooth nerve pain won’t solve the problem, though, because it is often a sign that there’s trouble somewhere in your mouth. Be sure to let your dentist know if you are experiencing pain so he or she can figure out the problem and recommend treatment options.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be aggravated by certain foods if the dentin is exposed. Above your gum line, it is protected by enamel. Below your gum line, it is protected by cementum. The dentin is a yellow-brown mineral inside your teeth that holds tubules that lead to your tooth nerves. Tooth nerve pain and sensitivity is triggered if the dentin is exposed. There are many issues that can cause dentin to be exposed, including enamel erosion, cavities, gum disease, exposed tooth roots, and tooth fractures.
Tooth Nerves
Enamel, cementum, and dentin are not sensitive to stimulation. Your actual tooth nerves, however, are. This is helpful because it can alert us to any issues that may be going on. Unfortunately, when there is an issue it also causes tooth nerve pain. Acidic and sugary foods and hot and cold temperatures can all cause a bad tooth to ache.
Foods to Avoid
If you are experiencing tooth nerve pain, there are some foods you can avoid to help alleviate some of that until you see a dentist. Some of these are:
- Pickles
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits
- Cookies
- Candy
If you’re about to eat a hot meal, give it a few minutes to cool first. Stay away from ice cubes, ice cream, and other really cold or chilled things. Soda is a huge trigger for tooth nerve pain, and it contains phosphoric and citric acid which will both eat away at your tooth enamel.
Treating Tooth Nerve Pain
Brushing teeth regularly and correctly goes a long way toward alleviating tooth nerve pain. Scrubbing too hard can actually cause more problems, so be careful how much pressure you’re applying. As soon as you start experiencing tooth nerve pain, make an appointment to see your dentist right away and they can tell you exactly what to do.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Health Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online.
For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.