Do you believe that your mouth is healthy?

Do you think that you do not have any tooth cavities?

Why does it sometimes hurt when drinking cold liquid, eating hot or cold foods, or only breathing in cool air then???

Patients keep coming to our office complaining about sudden teeth sensitiveness, and discomfort in one or more of their teeth. They describe the pain as sharp and sudden, which goes deep into their teeth nerves.

But, don’t worry, this condition is very common and it is treatable or manageable! Although we all try to find home remedies first, it is highly recommended to visit your dentist for a pain free dental treatment, if the pain becomes unbearable.

Usually, people start experiencing pain, when the gum begins to pull away from the teeth (and if no care taken, the roots of the teeth) or the middle layer of a tooth (called dentin) is exposed. These exposed root tips contain small tubules that lead directly to the nerves of the teeth. Sensitive teeth causes deterioration in life quality and it makes eating or drinking a painful experience. When the gums pulled away from the teeth, the roots will be exposed to cavity too.

What can be done to start with?

• You can change your toothpaste, especially if you are using whitening or other kind of toothpastes containing sodium pyrophosphate, as they can increase tooth sensitivity. You can buy a lot of different toothpastes, specially made for people with sensitive teeth.
• Avoid or rinse your mouth after consuming acidic food or drinks (such as tomatoes, oranges, lemons, or sodas).
• Apply less pressure when brushing your teeth. Buy an extra soft-bristled toothbrush, so it won’t wear down your teeth’s root surface (you may be removing tooth structure at the necks of your teeth when brushing). Check your toothbrush that you are using now: if the bristles are pointing in multiple directions, you are pressing too hard.
• Use fluoride mouth rinse two times a day
• Skip chemical tooth whitening as it can wear down the enamel of your teeth

It is good to know that there are two types of tooth sensitivity: dentinal sensitivity occurs when the dentin is exposed, and this can be treated with home remedies, while pulpal sensitivity is a reaction of the tooth’s pulp, often affecting only a single tooth, and need dentist’s intervention.

What sensitive teeth treatment is recommended?

If the above mentioned home remedies are not enough, you should book an appointment at your trusted dentist where you can get pain free dentistry solutions. This is what a dentist can do for your sensitive tooth immediately.

• special fluoride gels can be applied onto the affected teeth
• the neck of the tooth can be sealed by putting a bonding around it, to cover any exposed dentin
• dental laser can be used too to reduce sensitivity
• your old fillings with cracks or leaks can be changed
• tooth cracks can be covered with veneers
• treat hidden cavities that you may have
• start treatment for periodontal disease you may have (causing receding gum)
• in case you grind your teeth, your dentist can make you a special ‘mouth guard’ to wear at night

If you are normally a nervous patient during your dental visits, you needn't worry, most of these treatments are more or less pain free.