Hot or Cold
What is tooth sensitivity?
There are various causes and levels of tooth pain. The pulp of the tooth, the very innermost layer, contains nerves responsible for sensation in the teeth. Pain is a symptom that these nerves can cause if they become inflamed or diseased. If you are experiencing pain in your mouth, you should always make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the root cause of the discomfort is not always easy to pinpoint. Persistent pain or discomfort after eating something cold or hot is often a sign of a more severe issue, such as an infection of the pulp cavity caused by decay or, more typically, as a result of dental trauma in which a fine tooth crack has developed, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp cavity.
It's possible that a root canal, or endodontic treatment, is what you need. The same goes for severe pain while biting down on food, especially if it lingers after you stop biting. Again, this could be an indication of pulp cavity injury and nerve irritation. Any signs of inflammation or redness around the tooth's base should prompt a visit to the dentist to rule out periodontal disease or tooth decay. A tooth infection is present if even a gentle tap on the tooth causes extreme discomfort. Antibiotics are usually all needed to treat an infection, but sometimes an abscess will form in the gums, teeth, or jaw bone, necessitating surgical drainage.
