Tooth sensitivity is a common condition which can cause considerable pain and discomfort for patients. With the weather heating up, the experience of enjoying an ice cream or a cold beer should not be ruined by the pain of sensitive teeth. If you find yourself wincing in pain each time you bite down, chew or drink overly hot or cold foods and drinks, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity.
Dr Jennifer Collins in her practice at Northumberland Dental Care, can preform a dental examination to review the root cause (excuse the pun!) of your tooth sensitivity and will deliver treatment tailor -made to meet your dental needs.
Below are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity;
You may have a cavity
Enamel erosion is one of the key causes of tooth sensitivity. Enamel is one of the strongest material is the body and enamel is designed to not only assist you in effectively breaking down food, but will also protect the underlying layers of your tooth.When you enamel wears thin, it can expose dentine, the more sensitive layer of the tooth. While some enamel demineralisation can be treated with special desensitizing toothpastes and gentle brushing techniques, if a cavity has developed on the surface of your tooth, you will need a dental filling. A dental filling is designed to remove any unhealthy bacteria from the surface of the tooth and fill the cavity so further damage cannot occur.
Your gums may be receding
Gums are designed to frame teeth to provide beautiful smile symmetry. They are also there to protect teeth. When gums begin to lift away from the base of a tooth and recede, it not only causes the gum line to appear uneven, but exposes the tooth roots. Gum recession is frequently caused by improper brushing techniques or gum disease. While both gum disease and gum recession can be treated with a deep cleaning that involves scaling and root planing, the dentist may recommend implementing certain brushing techniques into your oral hygiene regimen to minimize sensitivity. This will include:
Purchasing a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush
Brushing in a circular motion (rather than side-to-side) with gentle pressure for no more than 2 minutes
Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
Brushing with a desensitizing or antibacterial toothpaste
You may have a cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can occur as a result of age, injury, or even from older amalgam dental fillings. Attending your routine dental cleanings and examinations allows the dentist to recognize even the tiniest fracture in a tooth. If a cracked tooth goes untreated, it will only begin to worsen and cause even greater pain. By capping your tooth with a dental crown, you can enjoy restored dental function
Tips for reducing sensitivity;
If your dental sensitivity is not linked to a cavity, gum recession, gum disease, or a fracture, there are certain tips you can implement into your daily oral hygiene regimen to protect your enamel, including:
Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Avoid brushing too aggressively
Use a desensitizing toothpaste and avoid using one with whitening agents or tartar control
Decrease your intake of foods and beverages high in acid