You likely suffer from tooth sensitivity if you experience discomfort or a stinging sensation when consuming cold or hot food and drinks. While occasional sensitivity with no pain is expected to a certain degree, you should seek the help of a dentist if the issue persists. Constant sensitivity may signify damaged enamel, exposing your tooth's softer tissues and leaving you vulnerable to other dental issues. Below are three ways to distinguish between fairly normal sensations and those that aren't. 

The Effect of Cold Foods

As you eat ice cream, be careful to evaluate how your teeth respond to the temperature change. You can also conduct this test by biting some ice. Any pain or discomfort may be a sign of tooth sensitivity, with the difference being in the condition's severity. If any food, hot or cold, causes intense pain and discomfort, it could mean that you have exposed enamel, a cavity, gum inflammation, or a dying nerve that requires urgent attention. However, if the discomfort is mild, it may be resolved by healthy dental care habits, and the dentist may recommend a specific product or regimen.

Reaction to Acidic Foods

Highly acidic foods may not always be good for your teeth because consuming them can erode the enamel that protects your teeth over time. In addition to making your teeth susceptible to sensitivity, these foods also expose your teeth to the risk of infection from microorganisms, specifically bacteria.

As such, if your teeth experience an adverse reaction to acidic foods, it may be due to tooth sensitivity. The immediate remedy is to stop consuming those foods immediately and, more importantly, to visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment and guidance on preventing further damage.

Tapping Your Teeth Gently

Sometimes, you may experience pain when your teeth collide with each other. Whether it's a little twinge or intense pain, this requires professional intervention. To this end, ensure that you visit a dental practitioner promptly to determine the symptom's root cause. For example, the dentist will likely examine you for receding gums, chipped teeth, loose fillings, periodontal disease, and eroded teeth, as all these are probable causes of tooth sensitivity. They will then determine a course of treatment based on their findings.

If you have been experiencing tooth sensitivity, an important first step is to avoid the foods that may be triggering it. In addition, you need to visit a dentist for a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and prevent escalation.

Visit a local dental office, such as Signature Dental, to learn more.