What to Do About Your Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth in women

Many people experience tooth sensitivity and often, they blame their ice cream or hot soup for it. But what many do not realize is that sometimes the cause of sensitive teeth is more than just hot and cold food.

 

Why Tooth Sensitivity Occurs

The part of your tooth that shows above the gumline is protected by enamel, while the root that is below the gumline is protected by cementum. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is the dentin which is a lot less dense than the materials covering it. There are microscopic canals in the dentin called tubules. When either enamel or cementum gets damaged, the dentin is exposed and the tubules let fluid flow in them They are affected by heat and cold and causes the tooth nerves to have pain and sensitivity.

Enamel and cementum can wear away when you often eat and drink food and beverages that are too acidic. Aggressively brushing your teeth and using certain whitening products can also contributing to the wearing of your enamel. If you have hypersensitive teeth, though, tooth decay, fractured teeth, or worn fillings that expose more dentin may be the cause.

 

What Can You Do About It?

You can find some relief when you use desensitizing toothpaste. Your dentist can suggest some products that contain specific ingredients that can help protect the surface of your teeth. A fluoride gel treatment which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and decrease the sensations may also be recommended.

As we have mentioned, extremely sensitive teeth are usually caused by more complex problems. That is why it is important that you see your dentist at Pickering Square Dental to have the issue treated properly. Treatment options may include a crown, bonding or inlay, root canal, and others. If you are suffering from chronic or advanced gum disease, this will be treated as well.

Extremely hot and cold foods can usually trigger tooth sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing sensitivity along with other symptoms like pain when chewing, swollen gums, and loose teeth, your sensitive teeth may be caused by a different dental issue. Your Pickering Square Dental dentist can determine the real problem as well as the right treatment. Just like any other oral health concerns, you should not ignore sensitive teeth! Call Pickering Square Dental today and have an appointment scheduled!

Dealing with Sensitive Teeth

Closeup of beautiful young woman suffering from toothache, Dental health and care, People with teeth problem concept.

Sensitive teeth can be such a drag – especially if you love ice cream! But did you know that there are a number of things that can aggravate sensitive teeth, including certain foods and brushing. What used to be a small annoyance can quickly turn into a painful problem.

While it’s true that desensitizing toothpaste can provide temporary relief, it’s still better if you can find ways to relieve sensitive teeth naturally and avoid pain in the future. Well, you’d be glad to know that with just a few changes to your daily routine, you can actually make a huge difference in how your teeth feel.  But first you have to know more about sensitive teeth.

What causes the pain?

Many dental issues can cause sensitive teeth. If you focus on what causes tooth sensitivity can help you understand how you can treat it and even keep it from coming back. Tooth sensitivity is often triggered when you eat foods that are hot or cold.  It can be caused by various factors including gum or periodontal disease, exposed roots at the gum line, tooth decay, aggressive brushing, and wearing away of the enamel.

If your sensitive teeth are caused by gum disease, infection, or tooth decay, you should see your dentist at once. Only when those oral health problems are addressed will you find relief from sensitive teeth. Some issues, however, like soft enamel may be habit-based or hereditary, making it easier to wear it down. In such case, you may be able to address sensitivity at home.

Like we mentioned above, changing your usual habits can make a big difference. You can try these tips to enjoy healthier and pain-free teeth:

Cut Down Your Intake of Acidic Foods

There are certain foods that can cause sensitivity. Some examples are citrus fruits, coffee, carbonated drinks, and even yoghurt. The reason for this is the way acidic products wear away tooth enamel. The best thing to do is to avoid them completely, but if you do enjoy drinking pop occasionally, do so using a straw to minimize the contact between the liquid and your teeth. Also, don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking or eating acidic foods because acid softens the enamel so your teeth are even more sensitive if they are brushed too quickly. It is a good idea to drink a glass of milk instead to neutralize the acid first.

Replace Your Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

While brushing helps keep your teeth clean and healthy, a hard-bristled toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste can make your teeth even more sensitive. If your toothbrush is hard, swap it for a softer one. Also, make sure that you brush your teeth gently.  Brushing harder doesn’t mean you’re brushing better, especially when you have sensitive teeth.

Protect Your Teeth at Night with a Mouth Guard

A lot of people grind their teeth at night – sometimes even without realizing it. Bruxism can wear away the enamel and result to sensitive teeth. A mouth guard can help protect your teeth from grinding. You can visit Pickering Square Dental to have one fitted for you.

If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, you should know that using desensitizing toothpaste is not your only option. Following the tips we gave can help you achieve less sensitive teeth naturally. If you want more helpful tips for your sensitive teeth or for any oral health concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Pickering Square Dental!

 


 

5 Common Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

It can happen at a moment’s notice. That sudden pang of pain due to sensitive teeth is an experience with which we’re too all familiar. It’s one of the reasons why so many people are now seeking out treatments for this common problem. Within this blog, we’ll review five treatments for sensitive teeth.

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste

While desensitizing toothpastes are more often associated with simply offering a more comfortable brushing experience, they can also help desensitize teeth over time. They can to block the pain that some people suffer due to their sensitive teeth.

2. Root Canal Treatments

In cases where a dentist has tried other treatments unsuccessfully, they may recommend a root canal to treat problems within the tooth’s dental pulp. These problems are often the cause of sensitive teeth and can be effectively resolved through the use of root canal treatment.

3. Receding Gum Treatment

In cases where the gum has receded and the root has been exposed, a person will likely suffer significant pain each time anything comes into contact with the root. Dentists are often able to restore receding gums with treatments such as gum grafts. This is a treatment option that has helped hundreds to minimize the pain of their sensitive teeth and to restore full gum and teeth functionality over the long-term.

4. Bonding Agents

Dentists will often use bonding agents as way to protect patients from the continual pain of sensitive teeth. Bonding agents work by sealing the dentin surface against potential stimuli that can impact the nerves. This ensures the dentin is protected and the potential for the throbbing pain events associated with sensitive teeth is minimized.

5. Fluoride Varnish

Many dentists will be able to provide patients with fluoride varnish treatments to reduce the pain from sensitive teeth. These treatments work by helping to strengthen the enamel around the tooth and by helping build the dentin to ensure optimal strength.

Millions of Canadians suffer from sensitive teeth. But with the latest treatment options available, it’s a problem that is slowly being eradicated among the general population. To discuss your potential sensitive teeth treatment options with a specialist, contact our expert team directly today!