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Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is pain triggered by:

• alcohol-based mouthwashes
• hot or cold foods and drinks such as soup or ice cream
• cold air, for example, when going for a winter jog
• sweet or acidic foods and beverages
• brushing or flossing

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

When you feel a dull ache or sharp burst of pain, it results from exposed dentin. Dentin is a soft layer of the tooth that connects to the nerves below your gumline. When these nerves encounter the triggers mentioned above, they set off a pain response. Dentin is usually covered and protected by enamel or cementum. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, harder than steel, but it erodes due to factors including but not limited to:

• diet
• teeth grinding
• acid reflux
• dry mouth
• at-home teeth whitening
• insufficient dental hygiene
• overbrushing with a hard toothbrush

If your dental hygiene isn’t thorough, or you eat a lot of hard things like ice or popcorn kernels, the plaque buildup, gum recession and cracked teeth can lead to sensitive teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Procedures

Oral hygienists and dentists clean around gums and use tools that may cause sensitivity in the short term but improve your long-term oral health. You can chat to your dentist about pain management if you’re concerned—they usually offer patients a local anesthetic if necessary and suitable. After you get a deep cleaning, scaling, root planing, capping or filling done by your dentist in North Vancouver, your teeth may be sensitive for about a week. Don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed or look swollen after an appointment—this is temporary. Avoid flossing for a day and use a soft-bristled brush. For future reference, using desensitizing toothpaste a couple of weeks before your procedure bodes well. 

Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity

If your special toothpaste for sensitive teeth isn’t helping and pain persists for more than four weeks, schedule a follow-up consult with your dental clinic. They can advise on changing your oral care routine to minimize discomfort and may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers. Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, you might need something as simple as a mouthguard or dental procedures such as bonding, crowns, inlays or even a root canal. 

Make an Appointment With Divine Dental Clinic in Lower Lonsdale

Dr. Hedayati, Dr. Anderson and the team at Divine Dental Clinic promise ethical, efficient, and gentle treatment and oral care education that keeps dental emergencies at bay. Tooth sensitivity affects everyone, and having dentists with your best interests at heart means you’re well-placed to overcome this condition. Contact us for your dentistry needs and to do your teeth whitening in a safe, professional setting.