Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Possible causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Worn tooth enamel
- Receding gums and exposed tooth roots
In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin. When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods stimulate the nerves inside the tooth. The result can be hypersensitivity.
How can sensitive teeth can be treated?
We will target your treatment based on what is causing your sensitivity. We may suggest one of a variety of treatments:
- Desensitizing toothpaste - This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
- Fluoride gel
- A crown, inlay or bonding - These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that causes sensitivity.
- Surgical gum graft - If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal - If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, we may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
- Proper oral hygiene - is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask us if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.
