Sensitive teeth cause discomfort and make eating, drinking and brushing your teeth painful. The sensitivity often occurs due to having exposed tooth roots or worn-down tooth enamel. Other factors may also cause sensitivity, such as a cavity, chipped or cracked tooth, gum disease and worn-out filling.
If you have sensitive teeth that cause discomfort, visit our dentist at Thousand Smiles to examine your teeth and determine the cause of the sensitivity for the appropriate treatment.
Depending on what causes your tooth sensitivity, the dentist may recommend the following:
Applying desensitising toothpaste on the teeth consistently can help block the pain receptions responsible for the sensitivity. Several over-the-counter desensitising products are available, but your dentist can recommend the most suitable option.
Our dentist may suggest applying fluoride to the sensitive parts of the teeth to strengthen your enamel and reduce the pain from the sensitivity. You may also need to apply fluoride to your eth with a custom-made dental tray.
In certain cases, when the sensitivity results from an exposed tooth root, the dentist will apply bonding resin to the sensitive tooth root. The treatment often requires local anaesthesia.
If your gums have receded, exposing your tooth root, the dentist may transplant gum tissues from another part of your mouth to another affected area. This will protect the exposed tooth root and alleviate your tooth sensitivity.
If other treatments aren’t effective in relieving sensitive teeth, the dentist may perform a root canal. A root canal is a treatment for the soft part area inside the teeth called the dental pulp. Although the treatment is more extensive, it effectively treats tooth sensitivity.
Good oral hygiene, which involves brushing your teeth at least two times daily with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles, is essential to prevent recurring teeth sensitivity. When brushing your teeth, do not brush aggressively, but use gentle strokes. Also, avoid abrasive toothpaste, as it can wear off your enamel.
If you grind your teeth while sleeping, ensure you inform the dentist, so you can get a mouth guard to protect your natural tooth structure from chips or cracks that may result in sensitivity.
You can also preserve your enamel by reducing your intake of carbonated drinks, acidic drinks, wine and citrus fruits. If you take acidic drinks, always use a straw to reduce their contact with your teeth and drink water afterwards to reduce acidity in your mouth.
If you experience sensitive teeth and need treatment, visit Thousand Smiles to have our dentist examine your teeth and offer the right treatment. You can call 020 8050 0280 to book an appointment with our dentist.