If you have been indulging in ice cream or two this summer and have noticed it is making your teeth twinge, you could have tooth sensitivity in Newcastle. Having sensitive teeth is very common and is also called dentin hypersensitivity.
What Does It Mean If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, it means when your teeth feel sensitive when exposed to specific stimuli such as a temperature change caused by eating and drinking hot and cold food and beverages. It can also be caused by eating very acidic food. Some people find even drinking cold water is enough to promote tooth sensitivity or will experience this symptom during routine dental cleanings at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Tooth sensitivity can also occur when you brush and floss your teeth, and using alcohol-based mouthwash can make teeth twinge uncomfortably.
What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Some people have more sensitive teeth than others because their tooth enamel is thinner. Tooth enamel can be worn if you brush your teeth too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush. It can happen if you grind your teeth at night, a problem called bruxism, which can significantly wear down tooth enamel. It’s also quite common for teeth to feel sensitive or to hurt if you have an untreated dental problem like tooth decay.
The type of tooth sensitivity can differ considerably. Some people experience a dull ache around the sinus area, just above their upper teeth, which can be quite uncomfortable. It’s also not unusual to be unable to identify the exact tooth causing the sensitivity. When this is the case, it could be due to tooth decay, where a cavity is close to or has reached the tooth nerve right in the centre. Suppose tooth sensitivity is causing significant dental pain in Clarington, where the pain continues for quite a while afterwards. In that case, it could be a sign of an inflamed or infected dental pulp and where a tooth has significant decay. Another cause is a failing or loose filling, or where a tooth is cracked or chipped. Gum recession can leave tooth roots exposed, and these aren’t covered with a protective layer of tooth enamel, so they can quickly begin to feel more sensitive.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
There are various ways you can treat tooth sensitivity depending on the cause, and it is best to schedule a visit to our dental office so you can have a proper dental exam in Courtice. We can quickly determine the reason for your tooth sensitivity and can discuss suitable treatment options.
The most straightforward option is to use desensitizing toothpaste that contains compounds that help block the sensations from the surface of your tooth from reaching the nerve. These compounds take a while to build up, so desensitizing toothpaste must be used for several weeks to get the best effect. Another option is professional fluoride applications in our dental office that help strengthen your tooth enamel, reducing tooth sensitivity. If you have any chips or cracks in a tooth, we may suggest bonding the tooth with coloured composite resin. This will help to mend and protect the tooth, eliminating tooth sensitivity. If we discover you have a crumbling or leaky filling, it will need to be replaced. Any signs of tooth decay must be treated, usually by placing a dental filling. However, if you have deep decay that has reached the tooth nerve, you might need a root canal treatment. If you have bruxism, we can treat this condition by providing a custom-made night splint to prevent you from grinding during your sleep.
