Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still important, however, to discuss your symptoms with your dentist and/or hygienist to determine the cause and proper treatment.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
In healthy teeth, microscopic channels in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages. In a healthy mouth the dentin is not normally exposed, it's covered either by gum tissue or enamel.
• Receeding gums caused by improper brushing or gum disease
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Erosion
Treating tooth sensitivity:
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist/hygienist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:
• A soft-bristle toothbrush, or extra soft toothbrush or toothbrush head if you're using an electric/sonic brush to be gentle on gums
• A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist. There are also some over-the-counter products that are good like Oral B daily fluoride rinse. MI(minimally invasive) Paste also works really well and can be purchased from the dental office. Ask us for more recommendations.
• A desensitizing toothpaste, like Crest® Sensitivity Protection toothpaste, Colgates new ProRelief toothpaste or Sensodyne toothpaste.
When your teeth are sensitive it is always wise to consult your hygienist/dentist to ensure something more serious isn't going on. Sensitive toothpaste or an fluoride rinse won't make a cavity go away and ignoring a more serious problem can make things worse. We'll gladly have a look and let you know what is happening in your mouth to create the discomfort and recommend solutions suited to the problem