Sensitive teeth are something we see here at Shandon Dental every day.
So what are the reasons? More importantly what are the solutions?
What causes of sensitive teeth?
Tooth Decay: holes in teeth either due to fracture or tooth decay is one of the main reasons for sensitivity. When decay progresses, it affects the nerve and one can get a throbbing sensitivity to hot/cold.
Gum disease: gum disease can cause bone loss and gum shrinkage leading to exposure of the root surface. This leads to sensitivity on cold exposure. Gum disease is caused by many factors including genetic, poor brushing, incorrect brushing and smoking
Gum recession: brushing too hard or problems with the bite (occlusion) can lead to the gums shrinking back again causing the root to be exposed and leading to sensitivity.
The Solutions
Tooth decay: placing fillings in decayed teeth with aid in reducing sensitivity. If decay gets very deep a root treatment or extraction is preferred.
Gum disease: ignoring gum disease will ultimately lead to increased sensitivity and loss of teeth. At Shandon Dental our dental hygienist can gently undertake any gum treatment and if too tender can undertake this under local anaesthetic leading to a better experience with less sensitivity.
Gum recession: Switching to a soft toothbrush or indeed and electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor will aid in not making recession worse. If the bite is causing an interference making the recession worse then orthodontic treatment should be considered. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oral-B-CrossAction-Electric-Toothbrush-Rechargeable/dp/B00PIRQEBO/
Sensitive toothpaste and gels: There are several sensitive toothpastes and gels on the market and switching to these will aid in reducing sensitivity. Their formulation will protect areas of the tooth susceptible to sensitivity.
https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/products/sensitive
https://sensodyne.ie/products/rapid-relief/rapid-relief.html
Diet: Be aware of what foods/drinks that trigger your sensitivity and make smart substitutions e.g. room temperature water instead of iced water or reducing the intake of acidic foods.
Whatever the cause or solution to sensitivity we here at Shandon Dental can help. Contact us so we can identify the causes of your sensitivity and tailor a plan to treat it.