How Can a Dentist Help Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

July 1, 2023

Tooth sensitivity can occur when the layer beneath the enamel of the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin exposure results from wear and tear of the enamel or erosion or gum recession, causing gum tissue to pull away on your teeth to uncover the roots. You may experience tooth sensitivity when consuming hot, cold or sour food or breathing cold air. Dentists suggest desensitizing toothpaste and dental bonding as treatments for tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity Explained

When the outer layer of the teeth enamel wears off, it exposes the dentin beneath, which contains tiny tubules by the thousands leading to the dental pulp. Tooth sensitivity also occurs because of gum recession, causing the gum tissue to pull out from the teeth exposing the roots.

The tooth roots are not shielded by enamel, and the dentinal tubules permit stimuli like hot, cold or sweetened foods to reach your tooth nerve resulting in the pain you experience. Tooth sensitivity is also a symptom of other dental problems, including cracked teeth, cavities, and gum disease.

Causes for Tooth Sensitivity

Many elements can result in tooth sensitivity, including the following:

  • Aggressive Brushing: Constantly brushing aggressively using a hard bristled toothbrush wears enamel off, exposing the dentin and causing gum recession.
  • Gum Recession: Some people are prone to genetic gum recession because of thin gum tissue. Others may develop periodontal disease, which also causes gum recession. The condition causes the gums to pull away from the teeth exposing tooth roots.
  • Periodontal Disease: You may experience tooth sensitivity from inflamed and sore gums, causing loss of supporting ligaments and exposing the root surface leading to the tooth's nerves.
  • Cracked Teeth: Bacteria can fill chipped or cracked teeth and enter the dental pulp causing inflammation and sensitivity.
  • Bruxism: bruxism causes teeth grinding and clenching to fray down tooth enamel and expose the dentin causing tooth sensitivity.
  • Teeth Whiteners: Teeth whitening products are also responsible for tooth sensitivity. It is essential to discuss brightening your smile with the local dentist and inquire about tooth sensitivity before purchasing any products.
  • Aging: adults between 25 and 30 are most vulnerable to tooth sensitivity.
  • Mouthwash Use: Specific over-the-counter mouthwash brands contain acids responsible for worsening tooth sensitivity from dentin exposure. The acids cause further damage to the dentin, making it essential to inquire with the dentist near you about using a neutral fluoride solution to alleviate discomfort.
  • Acidic Foods: Constantly consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea causes enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity.
  • Recent Dental Processes: You may experience sensitivity in a tooth after restoring cavities, dental cleanings, et cetera. The sharpness from dental procedures is temporary and subsides in four to six weeks.

Tooth sensitivity results from enamel erosion or gum recession. However, you may also experience sensitive teeth from cracked or infected teeth causing dull or sharp pain.

If you experience severe tooth sensitivity that does not subside, do not ignore the discomfort but call the dentist in Vancouver for an appointment. The dentist will examine your teeth to rule out severe conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.

How Do Dentists Deal with Sensitive Teeth?

The treatment for sensitive teeth depends on the underlying cause. However, you must schedule an appointment with the Vancouver dentist to determine whether severe conditions affect your teeth and receive appropriate treatment to combat the problem.

To minimize the peril of tooth sensitivity, consider using desensitizing toothpaste for tooth sensitivity. You will notice a decrease in the discomfort after regularly using desensitizing toothpaste. However, several different brands are on the market, and you may have to try one that best suits your needs.

Besides the above, you must maintain good oral hygiene, you a soft-bristled toothbrush, watch the foods and beverages you consume and visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

The Fraser Street dentist recommends treating tooth sensitivity with dental procedures like dental bonding to hide exposed tooth surfaces, fluoride varnish applied topically in the dentist's office, and dentin sealers applied to the tooth root surfaces.

Several different factors are responsible for causing tooth sensitivity, including enamel erosion, cavities, cracks, and exposed tooth root surfaces. The underlying cause of the sensitivity determines whether you need treatment. Over-the-counter toothpaste brands for sensitive teeth help address mild sensitivity. However, the Vancouver dentist can determine what is causing the problem and recommend a therapy to address it.

My Dentist Vancouver can help address tooth sensitivity by offering minimally invasive therapies to combat the problem. If affected by this issue, kindly do not hesitate to contact the dental practice for help to alleviate the discomfort.

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