Tooth Sensitivity
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth Sensitivity is a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a sharp pain or discomfort in one or more teeth when exposed to certain stimuli, such as cold or hot foods or beverages, sweet or acidic foods, and even cold air. The pain may be mild or severe and can range from a brief, sharp sensation to a long-lasting, dull tooth ache.
There are a number of reasons why tooth sensitivity can occur. One common reasons is when the protective outer layer of the tooth, known as enamel, wears away, exposing the softer, more sensitive, underlying layer called dentin. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the nerve endings in the pulp of the tooth, which is responsible for sensing pain and temperature. When the dentin is exposed to external stimuli, such as cold or hot foods or drinks, it triggers the nerve endings, causing a sharp or dull pain sensation.
While tooth sensitivity can be annoying and uncomfortable, it is usually not a serious dental problem and can be treated effectively with proper dental care and treatment. Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine Tooth Sensitivity, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have Tooth Sensitivity?
- Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
- Treatment Options For Tooth Sensitivity
- How To Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
- Managing Tooth Sensitivity Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about Tooth Sensitivity or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have Tooth Sensitivity?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. Some of the common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Gum recession: When the gum tissue around your teeth starts to recede or pull back, it exposes the roots of your teeth, which are not protected by enamel. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Tooth decay: Cavities or tooth decay can cause erosion of the enamel and expose the dentin layer, resulting in tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Brushing too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can cause damage to the enamel and expose the dentin layer, leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Dental procedures: Certain dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental cleanings, or the placement of fillings, can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Consuming foods and drinks that are highly acidic, such as citrus fruit drinks, soda pop, and carbonated water, can erode the enamel and expose the dentin layer, leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.
It is essential to identify the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity to effectively treat the problem. Your dentist can perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and recommend the appropriate treatment based on the cause of your tooth sensitivity. If you have further questions about Tooth Sensitivity, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, you may notice one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Sharp pain or discomfort: A sharp or sudden pain or discomfort in one or more teeth, especially when consuming cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.The pain is very temporary, lasting no more than 1-3 seconds, and only occurs when there is a stimulus.
- Sensitivity to touch: Sensitivity to touch, such as when brushing or flossing your teeth, or when your dentist is performing an examination.
- Visible color changes: Visible changes, such as yellowing or discoloration of the teeth, or the appearance of small cracks or chips on the surface of the teeth. Teeth appear yellow because of the eroding enamel, exposing more of the underlying yellow-colored dentin. Small cracks or chips can also be a source of tooth sensitivity.
It is essential to pay attention to these signs and symptoms and consult your dentist if you experience any of them. Your dentist can perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums and recommend the appropriate treatment based on the cause and severity of your tooth sensitivity. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity, please contact us.
Treatment Options For Tooth Sensitivity
There are several treatment options available to relieve tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: Using desensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief can significantly reduce tooth sensitivity. The active ingredients are commonly stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, or strontium chloride, which block the nerve endings in the dentin layer, reducing sensitivity and pain. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy or online.
- Fluoride treatment: Your dentist may apply fluoride to your teeth to strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity. It can be given as a high concentration gel, varnish or mouth rinse.
- Teeth desensitizer application: Your dentist may also apply a professional teeth desensitizer such as Gluma to your teeth. This procedure involves applying a thin layer of a special adhesive to the affected teeth, which helps to reduce sensitivity and pain.
- Dental bonding: In areas where the enamel has been eroded or abraded away, dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected teeth. This will effectively cover the exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity and pain.
- Gum grafting: If gum recession is causing your tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend gum grafting, which involves taking gum tissue from another area of your mouth, or using donated connective tissue graft, and placing it over the exposed roots to protect them.
- Root canal treatment: In severe cases, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to remove the damaged or infected pulp and nerve tissue from the affected tooth and prevent further damage. The nerve spaces of the tooth are then replaced with a dental filling material. Your dentist will then recommend a filling and a dental crown to protect the tooth.
It is essential to discuss your options with your dentist and choose the best treatment plan for your specific needs and circumstances. With proper dental care and treatment, tooth sensitivity can be effectively managed and relieved, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without discomfort. If you have further questions about treatment options for Tooth Sensitivity, please contact us.
How To Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Preventing tooth sensitivity involves taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help prevent tooth sensitivity:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste: Using desensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief can significantly reduce tooth sensitivity. The active ingredients are commonly stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, or strontium chloride, which block the nerve endings in the dentin layer, reducing sensitivity and pain. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy or online.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. The Waterpik waterflosser is also a terrific adjunctive tool to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
- Use a sensitivity mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash specially designed for sensitive teeth to help strengthen your tooth enamel and to lower tooth sensitivity. An example of a good fluoride-containing mouthwash is Sensodyne Cool Mint Mouthwash.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar, which can erode the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
- Use a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent tooth sensitivity.
- Do not brush too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings with your dentist to prevent and detect any dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum recession, that can cause tooth sensitivity.
By following these tips, you can help prevent tooth sensitivity and maintain good oral health. However, if you still experience tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist to identify the underlying cause and determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. If you have further questions about how to prevent Tooth Sensitivity, please contact us.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity Until You Can See The Dentist
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and cannot immediately see your dentist, here are some tips to help manage the discomfort:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste: Using desensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief can significantly reduce tooth sensitivity. The active ingredients are commonly stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, or strontium chloride, which block the nerve endings in the dentin layer, reducing sensitivity and pain. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy or online.
- Avoid triggering foods and drinks: Avoid consuming cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks that can trigger tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth: Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to reduce pain and discomfort. Favoring soft foods may also help.
- Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rinse with salt water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from severe tooth sensitivity. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours..
However, these measures are temporary solutions to manage tooth sensitivity until you can see your dentist. It is crucial to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity and receive the appropriate treatment. If you have further questions about how to manage Tooth Sensitivity, please contact us.
