Do You Suffer From Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity affects many people. It is often noticed when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Tooth sensitivity affects the tooth via the exposed underlying dentine or root surfaces. This occurs when the outer layer enamel that covers and protects your teeth wears away, or when your gum exposes the root surface.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can come and go, but if you find your teeth are sensitive when you experience one or more of the following, you may be suffering tooth sensitivity:
Hot drinks or foods
Cold drinks or foods
Sweet drinks or foods
Very acidic drinks or foods
Breathing in cold air
Touching the area on your tooth
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Many Things May Cause Your Teeth to Become Sensitive, Including:
Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively
Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages
Tooth erosion due to bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed
How You Can Prevent or Live With Tooth Sensitivity?
If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, visit us at Harris Dental Boutique in Bargara. Your Dentist will be able to identify or rule out any underlying issues of your tooth sensitivity and, depending on your circumstances may recommend:
A desensitizing toothpaste – after several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth
Prescription fluoride – applied at home to sensitive areas of your teeth, to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain
Small Fillings – placing small fillings on exposed root surfaces may be necessary under local anaesthetic
Gum Graft – if your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue may be attached to the area. This can protect the sensitive tooth root
Root Canal – if your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your Dentist may recommend a root canal. While this might seem like extreme action, it may be the only way to successfully eliminate tooth sensitivity
To Prevent Sensitive Teeth From Recurring, Dr Linc Recommends the Following:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing
Avoid highly abrasive toothpaste, and excessive brushing and flossing
Avoid grinding your teeth, or if you do, using a guard
Limit acidic foods and drinks