Sensitive Teeth | The Causes And The Best Ways To Treat It.

by Willow Tree Dental Centre on General Dentistry and Oral Hygiene.

Sensitive Teeth Can Be Painful.

Having sensitive teeth can have a real affect on your everyday life. Whether its a short, sharp twinge or a severe discomfort that lasts for hours. Cutting out certain food and drinks is one way to avoid tooth sensitivity; But nobody wants to go without enjoying and ice-cream forever!

Cold Food Tooth-Ache.

A study by scientists at a University in Germany, appeared in the news recently. They believe they have worked out the reason why eating and drinking something extremely cold causes excruciating pain in some people.

To prove their findings, the team plan is to engineer a blocker that can be locally applied to the teeth and stop tooth sensitivity.

While this is an interesting theory and could be a great treatment for sensitive teeth in the future; It’s not here yet so let’s look at some other reasons and resolutions for the problem.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

There are a number of things that could be causing your sensitive teeth.

1.  Brushing Too Hard – Tooth Brush Abrasion causes the enamel to wear away. This leaves the dentine of your teeth exposed, which can cause sensitivity.
2.  Dental Erosion – Dental erosion, caused by acidic foods and drinks attacking the enamel, also leaves the dentine of your teeth exposed.
3. A Cracked Tooth or Filling – This will, again, cause the dentine in your tooth to be exposed! Dentine is sensitive stuff!
4. Grinding You Teeth – Will wear away the enamel of your teeth and you guessed it, expose the dentine.
5. Gum Disease – In some gum disease cases, your gums can recede, causing all kinds of problems. One of which is sensitivity due to the root of the tooth no longer being protected.
6. Receding Gums – Sometimes the gums recede naturally, this will result in the roots of your teeth becoming exposed.
7. Post Dental Treatment – Sensitivity can sometimes occur after dental treatments such as; Bleaching or having crowns or fillings. This type of sensitivity is normal and usually doesn’t last long. If you suffer with severe tooth sensitivity you should discuss this with your dentist before treatment.

Treating Sensitive Teeth.

Because your sensitive teeth are likely to be caused by an underlying dental problem, we would always suggest visiting a dentist!

So often people suffer with sensitive teeth for much longer than they need to.

Visiting the dentist for tooth sensitivity will not only help with the problem; It will also allow them to prevent the underlying issue from getting any worse.

Related: Why is Routine Dentistry so Important.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure.

It is likely, if you are reading this blog, that you are already suffering with sensitive teeth. However, we do need to mention that prevention is always better than cure!

Proper tooth brushing is key. Many people make simple tooth brushing mistakes without realising it. ‘It’s just how they’ve always done it’.

Educating yourself on proper tooth brushing techniques, as well as using the correct toothbrush and knowing how to floss, is vital for keeping your mouth health and preventing tooth sensitivity.

At Home Treatments.

If you want to manage your sensitive teeth at home, there are a number of treatments available.

Desensitizing toothpastes help to protect your enamel and can be used to manage less severe tooth sensitivity.  There are many brands of sensitive toothpastes to choose from.

Consider discussing this with your dentist; They can advise you on which ones will work best for you.

Using a soft bristle toothbrush along with a desensitizing toothpaste may also help manage the problem; It will also stop you from brushing too hard and damaging your teeth and gums.

In some cases, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride gel treatment. This helps strengthen tooth enamel which will decrease tooth sensitivity.

We advise visiting your dentist before deciding on any at home treatments, to ensure you are doing the right thing!

If you have concerns about your sensitive teeth or any other dental health issues we’d love to help. Book an appointment to see one of our expert dentists today!