01 Oct 2021
Tooth sensitivity can snap you out of an otherwise pleasurable activity such as eating gelato or going for an endorphin-boosting run on a cold day. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures, sweet, acidic or sticky foods and beverages, and alcohol-based mouthwashes can act as triggers for pain in your mouth, as can improper brushing and flossing.
You’ll feel a dull ache or discomfort at the base of one or more teeth, and in some rare cases, all your teeth. The sensation is usually temporary, but it points to underlying issues in your oral or general health. Thankfully, sensitive teeth should be treatable with professional healthcare advice from a dentist and some tweaks to your oral hygiene routine.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are a few factors that could give rise to sensitive teeth. To begin with, it could simply be a matter of genetics. If you’re hardwired to have weak tooth enamel that erodes more easily and causes sensitivity, that’s all the more reason to stay on top of your dental care.
Every time you have a meal, the steel-hard enamel that coats your teeth becomes scratched. Over time, your pearly whites become porous. In addition, insufficient brushing and flossing can cause cavities and gum recession. When this happens, the dentin tubules which are connected to your nerves and are responsible for sensation in your teeth become exposed. The result? Hypersensitivity.
Other possible causes include:
- Deterioration of fillings and crowns
- Overbrushing, either too often or by using a heavy hand or a hard toothbrush
- Teeth bleaching
- Teeth grinding
- A poor diet comprising a high intake of sugar and refined carbs
- Other health conditions such as bulimia or acid reflux
How Can You Reduce Discomfort from Tooth Sensitivity?
Firstly, you need to look for gaps in your dental care. You may be brushing twice a day, but are you flossing? Your dentist can give your teeth a deep clean and chat with you about other good habits that can prevent the loss of enamel and improve your particular situation.
While you won’t feel positive effects overnight, incorporating a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth can provide relief for mild sensitivity, as can the application of clove oil. For sharp pain, your dentist will likely do an X-ray and apply a fluoride gel or an enamel-repairing desensitizer that is only available with a prescription.
A crown, filling or inlay may be on the cards during a follow-up appointment. In severe cases, you may need an extraction, root canal or gum graft. New technology and sedation dentistry ensure there’s little to fear with these procedures, so don’t let anxiety hold you back from essential treatment and a better quality of life!
Visit Divine Dental Clinic for Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in North Vancouver
Dr. Hedayati and Dr. Anderson are experienced dentists in Lower Lonsdale with all the knowledge necessary to get your teeth feeling good again. Schedule a dental checkup today and you’ll receive holistic, caring treatment to get your oral health back on track.