A stinging or painful sensation in your teeth from eating hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, should be taken as a warning sign. Even though toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can sometimes help to mitigate these sensations, you should still investigate the underlying source of the problem before it develops into something worse.
Enamel erosion caused from demineralization by bacteria and acidic foods, is one of the more common causes of tooth sensitivity. Using a fluoride toothpaste can sometimes help. However, you should still talk to your dentist about a simple fluoride treatment and fluoride supplements.
Tooth decay that has advanced to affect or expose the sensitive dentin layer of a tooth is also a common cause of sensitivity in a single tooth. In a situation like this you should call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment to repair the tooth before it advances into something more serious.
Pressure from a sinus infection can also cause short term tooth sensitivity. Pressure on the nerves in your face and near the roof of your mouth can cause sensitivity issues in your upper teeth. In a situation like this you should talk to your physician about your treatment options. Sometimes a prescription decongestant can relieve the pressure and allow your mouth to return to normal.
If you are having trouble identifying the source of your tooth sensitivity, please feel free to call us at 248-634-7002 to schedule an appointment.