Do frosty summer drinks or hot winter tea leave you squirming with sharp, quick tooth pain? Does a quick intake of cold air make one of your teeth hurt temporarily? You could be dealing with tooth sensitivity.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is the sharp but temporary pain that you might experience while eating or drinking hot, cold or acidic food or drinks, exposure to cold air or even just while brushing or flossing your teeth.
Teeth lose enamel and gums can recede over time, exposing the dentin, which lies below the enamel. The dentin is connected to nerve tissues. If dentin is exposed and irritated by things like drinking a cold beverage, for example, it will trigger a quick, sharp pain in the exposed area.
How do you get tooth sensitivity?
There are many ways that dentin can end up exposed: cracked teeth, untreated cavities, receding gumlines due to periodontal disease and enamel erosion, to name a few. People who grind their teeth at night are particularly prone to tooth sensitivity as they tend to wear out the enamel on certain teeth faster. It’s important to get regular check-ups to catch any potential issues before they begin to:
- Cause pain
- Affect your overall health
- Become more costly over time
What treatments are given for tooth sensitivity?
The treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. If you find you have tooth sensitivity, it’s best to make an appointment and get the affected area checked out. Cracked teeth, for example, might require a root canal and/or a crown.
Other ways to reduce tooth sensitivity:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste
- Alter your brushing technique: use a soft-bristled brush and do not brush vigorously, which can further wear down enamel.
- Watch what you eat: cut down on acidic and sugary food and drink, such as oranges, pickles, red wine, pop or fruit juice
Remember, enamel loss is irreversible so you want to make sure that you take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. Contact our Scarborough dental office at (416) 291 – 0306 or our Milton dental clinic at (905) 636 – 9770 – we provide a full range of dental services for the whole family including regular checkups, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and much more!
