Tooth issue. Should I go see a dentist?

January 25, 2009 2:49 PM

Tooth issue. Should I go see a dentist?

One of my lower front tooth has been weird lately. Is as if I can feel the nerve endings inside the bottom of the tooth. The feeling is sort of a tickle or a slight itch. Not painful, definitely not a cavity (right?), but an annoying tickle. I thought it would go away in a few days, but it's been almost a week now.

Is it time to pay a visit to the dentist?

Things to note:

- toothpaste used - Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Extra Whitening (have been using this for many years)
- no recent changes in eating habits (sugar intake is low; no candy/pop/junk food)
- brush twice and floss daily

posted by querty to health & fitness (14 comments total)

Whitening toothpastes make my teeth very sensitive. Try using something like Sensodyne for a week and see if that helps.
posted by Maisie Jay at 2:53 PM on January 25

I agree - baking soda is an abrasive. Switch toothpastes and see if it helps.
posted by Baby_Balrog at 3:01 PM on January 25

When whitening agents made my teeth sensitive, my dentist recommended Sensodyne and gave me a prescription for fluoride toothpaste. I haven't filled it yet so can't testify to its effectiveness.
posted by Morrigan at 3:14 PM on January 25

Do you take a B complex supplement? It might help...

From Vitamins and Oral Health:

"Several types of vitamin deficiencies can affect oral health. Inadequate levels of vitamin B are among the most common deficiencies related to oral health problems. Such deficiencies typically cause a burning sensation of the tongue and mouth. {...}. People who are deficient in vitamin B12 (cobalamin) may experience gastrointestinal symptoms and numb or tingling limbs. People with low levels of vitamin B9 (folic acid) may also experience numb or tingling limbs in addition to a burning sensation in the mouth."
posted by aquafortis at 3:14 PM on January 25

Sensitive Teeth. Article includes suggestions for ameliorating the problem, including using soft-bristled toothbrushes, fluoridated dental products, and desensitized toothpaste. If the pain continues, though, see a dentist for evaluation and treatment.
posted by terranova at 3:53 PM on January 25

I do have the vitamin B mentioned in my diet, so maybe it's the baking soda. I'll give Sensodyne a try.
posted by querty at 3:56 PM on January 25

I'll second a sensitive teeth toothpaste. Every time I get that feeling in my teeth I switch to a sensitive toothpaste and it does the trick.
posted by any major dude at 4:50 PM on January 25

Do you get cleanings at least once yearly? If not, or if it's within a few months of a year, go get a cleaning and ask then.
posted by kdar at 4:51 PM on January 25

Nerve exposure at the base of the tooth (which is what this sounds like) is pretty normal but it could be a sign of gum disease. Probably not a "see dentist NOW" situation but if you're not getting regular dental care you should get a check up.
posted by nanojath at 6:10 PM on January 25

How long has it been since you've seen the dentist? Growing up I prided myself on no cavities, and when I was around 25, I went to the dentist after putting it off for a couple of years. Verdict? THREE cavities! So even if this is nothing, I'd suggest taking your proverbial medicine and seeing the dentist anyway. You'll be better off in the long run.
posted by zardoz at 6:58 PM on January 25

Why not call and ask? Are you seeing the dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkup? If not, you should be anyway - no time like the present to start. If yes, the question just becomes "Can this wait until my cleaning in [month] or should I come in sooner?"
posted by Miko at 7:19 PM on January 25

When you use the Sensodyne don't use it the same as normal toothpaste. That's unnecessarily wasteful and it's expensive compared to normal paste. Just put a small amount on your finger, maybe a third what you'd use to cover a toothbrush, then rub it on the affected teeth after normal brushing. That way you use a lot less while still getting the same effect. You may want a less abrasive toothpaste for the usual brushing as well.

This advice came from my dentist and my Mum got the same advice from her (different) dentist. I had toothbrush abrasions, basically thinning enamel from overbrushing, giving me very sensitive teeth and using Sensodyne in this way worked just fine.

And yeah, you want a check up at some stage. If you have thinning enamel for some reason they can put stuff on to treat it (um, some form of fluoride I think?) which helps strengthen that area. Also if the enamel continues to thin it can end up as a cavity. It's likely just your normal sensitive teeth though so definitely not an emergency, just mention it at your next regular check up.
posted by shelleycat at 7:24 PM on January 25

Are your gums any different in color in the are of the tingle/itch? Does it happen at particular times or when particular events happen? Do you grind your teeth when you sleep or have any other jaw-related maladies (TMJD, etc)?

It seems like something that's not that huge of a deal, but IANAD. If it were me, I'd be calling my dentist to see if I needed to move my check up or if it could wait until the date. If you're not going in for regular cleanings, then you should do that anyway and see what's going on.

I had something similar to this, but I'm have bruxism and TMJD (my dentist is going to get rich off my in 15 years, I'm telling you). It seemed to be the result of some over-vigorous brushing combined with the jaw problems I have (pressure + minor recession = sad times for tooth root). My hygenist recommended I switch toothpaste (I was also using the one you're using), use only toothbrushes marked "soft" and floss more regularly. I've done all that and also started using ACT mouthwash for the flouride strengthener. It's worked wonders for the weird feeling I had and it can't help since it's all stuff that's good for your mouth to begin with.
posted by Gular at 8:48 PM on January 25

Is it time to pay a visit to the dentist?

As opposed to asking random strangers on the internet?

Yes.
posted by idiomatika at 7:00 AM on January 26