Many of us suffer from sensitive teeth, and it can cause a great deal of discomfort, particularly when it comes to eating and drinking. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes sensitive teeth, as well as the available treatments that can help tackle it.
Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth
Symptoms of sensitive teeth include feeling pain and discomfort when:
- You eat or drink something cold (like an ice cream) or hot (like a cup of tea)
- You’re eating something very sweet or sour
- You bite down on something
Often, those with sensitive teeth will also feel a persisting ache or pain after the initial twinges.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Sensitive teeth are typically caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. The reason they might feel sensitive is because the layer of dentine (the main supporting structure of the tooth) has been exposed.
There are lots of very small holes contained in dentine, which run through to the tooth’s nerve. This exposure of the nerve is why you may feel sharp and sudden tooth pain or sensitivity.
How Does Sensitivity Happen?
Dentine can be exposed in a number of ways, including:
- Over-brushing your teeth, which can wear down tooth enamel
- Eating or drinking certain acidic food and drink
- Poor quality teeth whitening treatments
- Grinding your teeth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A worn filling
- Receding gums, which can occur naturally, or as a result of gum disease (this will expose the root of your tooth, which doesn’t have any enamel)
Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
Fortunately, there are treatments that can help soothe sensitive teeth. The correct treatment will depend on individual cases and will be recommended by your dentist after an assessment. Some of the most commonly recommended treatments include:
Desensitising Toothpaste
Your dentist might recommend a desensitising toothpaste, which can help to block pain after several applications. Your dentist will go through the available options and advise on which might be the best for you.
Using a Soft Brittle Tooth Brush
Alongside specialist-sensitive toothpaste, you should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure no further damage is caused. Bad brushing techniques can wear down enamel as well as causing gum recession and exposing the roots of your teeth.
High Fluoride Treatments
A course of high-fluoride treatment may be recommended if your tooth sensitivity is due to enamel erosion. Fluoride will naturally harden the enamel and help to soothe the pain. There are several treatments available, including kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash.
Composite Bonding
In some cases, composite boning might be an appropriate treatment. Composite bonding can be used to create a barrier on the roots of your teeth. It involves applying resin that matches the colour of your natural teeth to the exposed roots.
Root Canal
If other treatments are not working, and the pain is coming from a particular tooth, your dentist might suggest a root canal, which involves removing sensitive nerves from the tooth. Although a root canal may seem like a drastic measure, it is highly successful in eliminating tooth sensitivity.
How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes sensitive teeth can’t be avoided, but there are things you can do in order to try and prevent it from happening as best you can, such as:
- Attending regular check-ups at the dentist
- Following your dentist’s or hygienist’s advice at home
- Visiting the dentist as soon as you think there might be a problem (such as a cavity or a change in your gums)
- Avoiding sugary, acidic and fizzy drinks
- Using small, circular motions when brushing your teeth instead of brushing them from side to side
Sensitive Teeth Appointments at Aurora Dental
We’ve discussed what causes sensitive teeth, as well as the available treatments. If sensitive teeth is something that’s affecting you, why not come and see us for a consultation? Book an appointment today at one of our Wiltshire-based clinics directly via the website or get in touch over the phone. We have clinics in Chippenham, Corsham, Swindon and Devizes so you can enquire with the clinic local to you. Upon your appointment, one of our expert team will assess your situation, and advise on the best treatment option for you.
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience, so we aim to create a calm and welcoming environment for all our patients. We also offer general appointments for a range of other treatments, including Airflow polishing and crowns, as well as cosmetic and teeth straightening services.