Tooth sensitivity can come and go with time, and it’s usually caused by enamel wear or root areas from gum disease and/or receded gums. Unlike the crowns of your teeth, the root areas aren’t protected by enamel, but rather cementum. When the enamel or cementum erodes away, the nerves within the tooth become exposed, which can cause tooth sensitivity. Crowded teeth can also be quite sensitive to very hot and cold temperatures when they are under a lot of pressure.
Common causes of tooth erosion include:
- Brushing your teeth too long
- Using a hard bristle toothbrush
- An acidic diet
- Excessive teeth whitening
- Teeth grinding
- Acid reflux disease
- Bulimia
- Dry mouth
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
Talk to us about any tooth pain or tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, acidic or sweet drinks or foods. Tooth decay and cavities should be ruled out or treated. Your dentist here at Mint Dental may recommend a desensitising toothpaste or fluoride gel toothpaste for use at home. With more severe cases of tooth sensitivity, a filling, a gum graft or a root canal may be required.
You may even want to consider dietary changes, such as eliminating high-sugar soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol from your daily intake. And of course, you’ll need to keep up with regular daily oral care routines to prevent future problems.
Tooth sensitivity can be very painful, and may even be a sign of a bigger problem. Don’t put up with tooth sensitivity any longer, contact our caring team here at Mint Dental by conveniently scheduling an appointment online at mintdental.com.au
