Tooth Sensitivity:  What is Normal?

Tooth sensitivity can be a complicated issue.  What one patient describes as “just a little sensitivity” can be a big deal to someone else.  This is because, unfortunately, the only thing a tooth can feel is pain (thanks a lot, Mother Nature!) and pain is a very personal issue.   In dentistry, the details of your pain matter.  It is extremely important to pay attention to what causes the pain, when it happens, and how long it lasts.   All of these little details aid us in making a diagnosis and recommending the right treatment.  

Spontaneous pain

First and foremost it’s important to pay attention to whether or not the pain happens spontaneously or whether or not there is something that causes it.  A tooth that hurts without any trigger is concerning and should be examined as soon as possible.

Biting or chewing pain

A tooth that hurts when you bite or chew could mean that the ligament surrounding the tooth has been injured and simply needs time to heal.  It could also mean that the tooth is cracked and in need of treatment.  Either way, an exam of the tooth is necessary to determine what the cause of the biting pain is and how we can help alleviate it.

Sweet sensitivity

Next is sensitivity to sweets.  As annoying as it can be, sensitivity to sweets is considered normal and there is no treatment specifically for it.  While we can suggest products and possible restorative solutions it is also likely that you may be advised to simply consume less sugary substances (not surprising advice from a dentist!).

Hot sensitivity

Last but not least there is thermal sensitivity.  Hot and cold sensitivity are separate issues so please do not assume that one automatically goes with the other.  I have found that patients often assume that they go together instead of considering them individual events.  Please do not assume that if your tooth is sensitive to cold that it is also sensitive to hot.  The reason for that is because sensitivity to hot is always a red flag and reporting hot sensitivity when that’s not actually the case can lead us to recommending treatment you don’t really need.  I can’t stress this enough:  hot sensitivity is always concerning and should immediately be reported.

Cold Sensitivity

This leads us to cold sensitivity.  Some cold sensitivity is considered “reversible” with no treatment being necessary while other cold sensitivity is considered “irreversible” and means the tooth will need treatment.  The key difference is how long the pain lasts after the cold is gone.  Is it seconds?  Is it minutes?  Pay attention to this important detail. 

Determining the difference between normal and abnormal tooth sensitivity is what we are here for.  If you have concerns about what you are feeling, please don’t hesitate to call us at 860-676-2288.