Sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth

Do you experience pain or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweets or very hot or cold foods?

You may have sensitive teeth.

Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still important, however, to discuss your symptoms with your dentist to determine the cause and proper treatment.

What causes tooth sensitivity?
In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth's hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.

Dentin can be exposed by:
    • Receding gums caused by improper brushing or gum disease
    • Fractured or chipped teeth
    • Clenching or grinding your teeth
    • Erosion

Treating tooth sensitivity:
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:
    • A soft-bristle toothbrush, like Oral-B® Sensitive Advantage®, to be gentle on gums or a powered brush; or a sonic or electric brush with a extra-soft bristled brush
    • A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist. There are also some over-the-counter products that are good like Oral B daily fluoride rinse. MI(minimally invasive) Paste also works really well and can be purchased from the dental office. Ask us for more recommendations.
    • A desensitizing toothpaste, like Crest® Sensitivity Protection, Crest® Pro-Health, or Sensodyne

When your teeth are sensitive it is always wise to consult your dentist to ensure something more serious isn\t going on. Sensitive toothpaste or an fluoride rinse won't make a cavity go away and ignoring a more serious problem can make things worse. We'll gladly have a look and let you know what is happening in your mouth to create the discomfort and recommend solutions suited to the problem.

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