Teeth can be sensitive due to a variety of issues; wearing of enamel, gum recession, cavities or periodontal issues. We suggest keeping on top of regular dental checkups to evaluate for these problems, and we can make custom recommendations to help.

Most commonly people will have cold or sweet sensitivity. This can usually be controlled with over-the-counter toothpastes or rinses. We suggest trying a toothpaste with the ingredient potassium nitrate. This can be found in Sensodyne, Colgate or other common toothpaste brands. Check the active ingredients on the back of the box and ensure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval. It will say ADA on the label. That is how to tell if it is a safe and effective product. We recommend using that in conjunction with a fluoride rinse.

If sensitivity is not better within two weeks please contact us to make sure there are not any other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you have extreme pain, temperature sensitivity, or pain when biting please call our office because it may be a more in-depth issue.

Managing sensitivity in your teeth doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the root causes and implementing the right over-the-counter treatments, such as toothpaste containing potassium nitrate and fluoride rinses, you can often find relief. Regular dental checkups play a vital role in identifying and addressing any underlying issues early on.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team in Leesburg, VA, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kime Whitman if you are experiencing prolonged sensitivity or any form of dental discomfort. We can be reached at 703-831-3952 today!

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If you treat and or fill these areas early (we look for these during routine checkups and cleanings) they are usually able to be treated with a simple filling. Conversely, if you wait until there is pain, the decay and cavity will require more advanced treatments. This can be beyond just a filling and may require a crown or even a root canal. Also, if the decay or cavity is too extensive the tooth may even need to be extracted, which can lead to more complex issues in the future.

Furthermore, when tooth decay is painful that can mean there is an active infection. Infection can spread to other teeth in the mouth and you can even spread the bacteria that causes tooth decay to other people (via kissing, sharing food or utensils, etc). Therefore, it is important that you treat tooth decay and cavities as soon as possible to avoid more extensive dental problems from arising.

If you suspect you might have dental decay or a cavity, or it has simply been a while since your last dental checkup,  Dr. Kime Whitman and our team invite you to give us a call at 703-831-3952 and schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. At Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we look forward to helping you and your family members with all of your dental needs, including essential preventative care!

The post Why Do You Need To Get a Cavity Treated or Filled if It Does Not Hurt? first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.