Tooth sensitivity is a very common dental problem that causes sharp pain with hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can happen to anybody, even kids and adults. In this blog, we will review the causes of tooth sensitivity as well as the different ways to treat it.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, a dentist at a dental clinic in Kelowna will help determine the cause and provide the optimal treatment.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity means you feel pain or discomfort in your teeth when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes, even breathing in cold air can make your teeth hurt. This pain usually doesn’t last long, but it can feel sharp or sudden. Tooth sensitivity is very common, and it can happen to anyone, even kids and adults.
Dentists call this “dentin hypersensitivity.” Dentin is the layer inside your tooth, under the hard white enamel. If the enamel gets weak or thin, the dentin is exposed. This dentin has tiny tubes that connect to the nerve inside your tooth. When things like cold water or air touch the dentin, it can make the nerve hurt, and that gives you tooth sensitivity.
Reason for Tooth Sensitivity
Many things can cause tooth sensitivity. Here are some common reasons:
- Worn Enamel: If you brush your teeth too hard, use a hard toothbrush, or use gritty toothpaste, you can wear away the enamel. Enamel is the hard, outer cover of the tooth. When it gets thin, the sensitive dentin underneath is exposed.
- Gum Recession: Sometimes gums pull away from the teeth. This is called gum recession. The roots of your teeth do not have enamel and are more sensitive. Gum recession often happens if someone has gum disease or brushes too roughly.
- Tooth Decay and Cavities: If you have a cavity (a hole in your tooth), the decay can reach the dentin and nerves inside the tooth, making it very sensitive.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A crack or chip lets air and liquid reach the sensitive inside parts of your tooth.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth can wear down enamel and make your teeth more sensitive.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Eating or drinking a lot of sour or citrus foods, sodas, and fruit juices can weaken enamel over time and expose dentin.
- Dental Procedures: Sometimes, people feel sensitivity after dental cleanings, fillings, or whitening. This sensitivity usually goes away after a few days.
- Worn Fillings: If you have old dental fillings that are broken or worn out, they may no longer protect your teeth properly.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be treated. Here are some ways your dentist may help you, and things you can do at home:
- Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: These special toothpastes have ingredients that block the pain signals from the tooth to your nerve. Use them when you brush your teeth every day.
- Switch Your Toothbrush: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be gentle when you brush. Hard brushing can wear down enamel and make your gums recede.
- Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Try to eat less sour candy, sodas, and citrus fruits. If you do have something acidic, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
- Regular Dental Cleanings: Visit your dentist for cleanings. Dentists can remove plaque and check your teeth for signs of decay or gum problems.
- Fluoride Treatment: Your dentist might put fluoride on your teeth. This helps to strengthen enamel and reduce pain.
- Dental Procedures: If the problem is big, like a deep cavity or bad gum recession, your dentist might suggest a filling, a crown, or even a gum procedure.
- Treat Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, your dentist may give you a night guard to wear while you sleep. This will protect your teeth.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Clean teeth stay healthy and are less likely to be sensitive.
Tooth sensitivity is not something you have to live with forever. Whether it’s from brushing too hard or having a cavity, there are treatments that can help. Using gentle care at home and visiting your dentist near you regularly can make a big difference.
If you or your child is dealing with sensitive teeth, talk to a dentist today. The right treatment can bring comfort and protect your smile for the future.
Get Optimal Solutions For Sensitive Teeth at Love It Dental!
At Love It Dental, we help treat tooth sensitivity with simple and effective dental care. Whether your teeth hurt from cold drinks, sweet foods, or brushing, our team will find the right solution for you. We offer professional treatments that protect your enamel and reduce pain. Your comfort and oral health are always our priority.
Call us now to schedule your visit. Let’s take care of your sensitive teeth today!