Tooth Nerve Pain: Getting To The Nitty Gritty Details

This sensation that’ve wreaked havoc within your mouth is all too familiar: the discomfort will creep deep within your gums before it manifest into a pain that you couldn’t ignore. You’ll shut your eyes tight as you try to massage the sore spot in a feeble attempt to soothe it. Having consumed something that could easily trigger this pain, you’ll be relieved to know that the ache is only temporary. But the bad news? It happens so frequently that it’ll impede on your daily life.

Whilst nerve pain is hardly something worth celebrating, know that you’re not alone. Almost every single individual will experience some form of tooth nerve pain throughout their lifetime.  Whether it’d be due to a chipped tooth or a cavity, an exposed and agitated tooth’s nerve is the first stage to a festering tooth nerve damage.

Don’t let this pesky discomfort pain be a common occurrence in your life! Start by gaining insight into how it first comes about and what you can do about it.

Tooth Education 101

Firstly, understand that your tooth is made up of 4 parts: enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp. As one of the strongest substances of the body, the enamel is made up of 96 per cent mineral, making it durable and damage-resistant. Its primary function is to keep the tooth’s crown safe from injury. Below the enamel is the cementum that protects the tooth’s root that lies below the gumline.

Whilst not as dense as the other two, the dentin contains microscopic tubules that are connected to the tooth’s pulp. Lastly, within the pulp lie the tooth’s nerves. When one has a severe cavity (decayed areas that developed into tiny openings), certain foods and drinks can flow through these tubules to reach the exposed nerves, which can lead to tooth sensitivity if not treated early.

The Unsuspecting Culprit: Food And Drinks

Apart from having bad oral hygiene, certain foods are, unfortunately, one of the main reasons why you might end up with exposed tooth nerves. Foods that are hot or cold, sugary or sweet, and acidic or sour are usually those that are associated with tooth nerve pain.

For instance, acidic fruits such as lemons possess a pH level that can weaken the protective enamel around your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth nerve exposure. It’s not just fruits either; this goes the same for drinks as well. Other foods and drinks include bread, alcohol and carbonated drinks, amongst many others. Typically, anything that has high sugar content is encouraged to be kept at a minimum as they can give rise to enamel erosion.

How Does The Nerve Get Exposed In The First Place?     

Weakened or damaged enamel can expose the dentine, allowing fluid to enter the tubules and the severe temperature change from hot and cold foods and drinks will cause the nerves in the tooth to have sensitivity and pain.

Of course, eliminating these foods and drinks in your diet is almost impossible. The key is to have everything in moderation. Do take note of the foods and drinks that may exacerbate the issue and take precautionary measures to prevent it from getting any worst. Undoubtedly, practising good oral hygiene is the foundation for healthy gum and teeth. Having regular dental checkups is another critical component of maintaining healthy teeth. Should the pain be too overwhelming, you may want to consider getting a tooth extraction and dental implant treatments.

At Luminous Dental, we hope to assist you in achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamt of. Any dental issues will be addressed and treated. We have state-of-the-art dentistry equipment and technology, such as high magnification (up to 25x magnification), to help you identify the root of the problem and treat the issue before it manifests into something bigger. Whether it’d be mitigating tooth nerve pain or considering clear braces to align your teeth, our professional team can help! Give us a call and we’ll help you achieve a smile that can light up an entire room!