Anybody can suffer from sensitivity, although it is most likely to affect those aged 20-40.
Toothbrush Abrasion
Toothbrush abrasion or brushing too hard can cause enamel to be worn away. This is especially likely to happen where the tooth meets the gum line. This exposes the dentine and can lead to sensitivity.
Be sure to only use a medium or soft bristled manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. This will make it more difficult to brush too hard. Where enamel has been worn away it may be necessary to build teeth up using white, composite fillings.
Acid Erosion
Every time we eat acidic foods or drink acidic drinks, the enamel on our teeth is softened and small particles can chip away. If you have a lot of acidic foods and drinks, the dentine may be exposed, causing sensitivity
Try to limit acid attacks on your teeth to mealtimes. Avoid sipping fizzy drinks throughout the day as this means that your teeth are constantly under attack. The dentist may also apply fluoride varnishes to your teeth to help strengthen and protect them.
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects most adults at some point. Over time a build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots and causing sensitivity.
The best treatment for gum disease is a good oral hygiene routine, your dentist will remove the plaque from your teeth and advise you on the best oral hygiene aids to maintain your teeth between visits. In order to protect the roots of teeth it may be necessary to build the teeth up with a white, composite fillings. In severe cases it may be necessary to perform root canal treatment, removing the nerve from the tooth means that it can no longer be sensitive.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is one that has become broken through eating or tooth grinding. A crack can run from the biting surface of a tooth down towards the root. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort and sensitivity.
Cracked teeth can be repaired with white, composite fillings or crowns. If the crack runs right through the root, it may be necessary to perform a root canal treatment to ensure that the tooth remains strong.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding is often a sign of stress and can occur while you are asleep, so you be unaware that you do it. Over time tooth grinding can wear away teeth, causing them to become sensitive.
In order to protect your teeth, it may be advised that you wear a gum shield. This means that rather than damage your teeth when you grind you will be grinding against the plastic retainer. Damaged teeth will also need to be repaired or built up to prevent them being damaged further.
Teeth Whitening
Some people may find that they experience sensitivity while undergoing teeth whitening. This should be temporary and stop when you complete the treatment.
The sensitivity should disappear when you finish treatment. The dental team will also be able to advise you on ways to reduce sensitivity during treatment, by filling the whitening trays with sensitive toothpaste in between whitening treatments.
Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre’s comprehensive dental services can help to treat your sensitive teeth. Call today on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation.
