Considers Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity.

Citing ADA spokesperson Dr. Matt Messina extensively, TIME (5/21) reports on why people suffer from tooth sensitivity. Citing Dr. Messina, TIME reports that short-lived cold-induced pain may not be cause for alarm, “but if the pain is persistent and confined to a specific tooth or area of your mouth,” it may be an indicator of a micro-crack, a degraded filling, or a cavity, all of which require a dentist’s attention. If a person has sensitivities to cold, hot and biting pressure “we could also be talking about some sort of infection in the tooth,” Dr. Messina said. Sensitivity may be the result of issues with the gums, as “brushing too forcefully, chewing tobacco or allowing the buildup of plaque can all cause your gums to “run away” from your teeth, resulting in temperature sensitivity, Messina says.” Dr. Messina also said, “The solutions are often simple, but only if we address the problem early.”