What to do About Tooth Sensitivity

Have you been experiencing painful sensations in your teeth whenever you brush them? Are you hesitant to enjoy some ice cream or a glass of your favourite cold drink to cool down, or a mug of a hot beverage in the winter? You might be experiencing tooth sensitivity. 

This condition, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, refers to a sharp and sudden pain you feel when your teeth come in contact with certain stimuli, such as extreme temperatures and chemicals. It is common among adults and children and can range from mildly annoying to painfully uncomfortable.

The experts at Legacy Dental Clinic are here to help you, regardless of your level of sensitivity. In addition to offering composite fillings, dental sealants and other procedures that treat or prevent cavities or rotting teeth, we perform dental cleanings which will strengthen the enamel of your teeth. We can also do checkups to ascertain the cause of your sensitive teeth. In this article, we discuss some possible causes as well as how you can get relief,

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity may be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common culprits are food allergies and dental plaque buildup. 

Plaque buildup on your teeth not only leads to cavities but can also cause pain when you bite into something cold or hot. It doesn’t hurt the nerves themselves (because they’re protected by enamel), but it does irritate them enough that they send signals of pain back to your brain.

Other causes include:

• Receding gum
• Gingivitis
• Rotting Teeth
• Worn down enamel
• Aggressive brushing
• Fractured teeth
• Teeth-whitening products

How to Treat Sensitive Teeth?

You’ve probably wondered about possible solutions for teeth sensitivity. Thankfully, there are tips you can use in-between dental visits to find relief. These include:

• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Use straws to drink
• Avoid or reduce your consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as soda, coffee and red wine

Although the above mentioned tips are useful, they may not address the underlying cause. Therefore, you should schedule an appointment at your dental clinic. Your dentist can treat your sensitive teeth by doing the following:

• Apply fluoride varnish to strengthen your enamel
• Perform dental restoration using a dental crown, inlay, onlay, or composite restoration after the decay is removed
• Graft the gum 
• Perform root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue in the pulp of the tooth, if there is any

Get a Dental Checkup

Your dentist will perform an oral exam to determine if you are dealing with tooth sensitivity. They will test your teeth’s sensitivity by applying pressure to them. If you react by wincing during the exam, it may be indicative of sensitive teeth. Also, your dentist may deem it necessary to perform a more in-depth examination depending on the severity of your pain and discomfort.

Oral Exams for Sensitive Teeth Available at Legacy Dental Clinic in Edmonton, AB

If you have any questions about your oral health or if you believe that you may have sensitive teeth, consult the team at Legacy Dental Clinic. We are committed to helping you achieve all of your dental needs, including relief for sensitive teeth. We will perform an oral exam to accurately diagnose your problem and will follow up with a dental cleaning and fluoride varnish to strengthen your teeth. Contact us today by filling out our online appointment form. You can also reach us at (825) 467-8888 or by email at reception@legacydentalclinic.com.