If you’ve ever winced when enjoying a cold drink or felt discomfort while brushing your teeth, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. This common condition affects many and can be caused by a variety of factors. Luckily, tooth sensitivity can often be treated. With the right care, you can restore comfort and protect your teeth from further damage.

In this post, the team at Waterdown Smiles Dentistry will explore the causes of tooth sensitivity, what it feels like, and most importantly, the dental treatments available!

Dental Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity

Several treatments are available to help manage tooth sensitivity, ranging from simple at-home care to more involved dental procedures. Here are some common dental treatments that can provide relief:

1. Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. Dentists apply fluoride to sensitive teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. This treatment strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to the triggers that cause sensitivity. For patients with severe sensitivity, dentists may recommend regular fluoride treatments.

At home, you can use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel and reduce sensitivity over time. These products can help build a barrier around your teeth, making them less sensitive to temperature changes and acidity.

2. Desensitizing Toothpaste

If your sensitivity is mild, your dentist may suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste. These products contain compounds that block the transmission of sensations from the surface of the tooth to the nerve. Over time, regular use of desensitizing toothpaste can reduce sensitivity and make everyday activities like eating and brushing more comfortable.

It’s important to use the toothpaste as directed, often for several weeks, to experience its full benefits. Your dentist may recommend certain brands or formulas based on your specific needs.

3. Dental Fillings for Cavities

If tooth sensitivity is caused by a cavity, it’s essential to treat the decay to prevent further damage and alleviate discomfort. A dental filling involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a durable material such as composite resin, silver amalgam, or ceramic.

Fillings not only work to stop the spread of decay but also seal off the exposed dentin, reducing sensitivity. After the procedure, your tooth will be protected, and the pain or discomfort caused by the cavity should subside.

4. Gum Grafts for Receding Gums

When gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth, it can lead to significant sensitivity. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a gum graft. A gum graft involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth, usually the roof, and attaching it to the receded area. This procedure covers the exposed roots, protecting them from further sensitivity and decay.

Not only does this treatment reduce sensitivity, but it also improves the appearance of your gums and overall oral health.

5. Root Canal Treatment

In cases of severe tooth sensitivity caused by deep decay or damage that reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth and sealing it with a filling or crown.

While the idea of a root canal can seem intimidating, it’s an effective way to relieve pain and save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Once the procedure is complete, the tooth is no longer sensitive, as the nerve has been removed. In reality, root canals reduce pain more as opposed to causing it.

6. Dental Sealants for Preventing Sensitivity

Dental sealants are a preventative measure that can help protect your teeth from sensitivity and decay. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars, where food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate. They act as a barrier, preventing acids and plaque from eroding the enamel and causing sensitivity.

Sealants are often recommended for children, but adults can benefit from them as well, especially if they have deep grooves in their teeth or are prone to cavities. The application process is quick and painless, and sealants can last for several years, providing long-lasting protection.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of your teeth become worn down, exposing the softer tissue underneath, called dentin. Dentin contains tiny tubules that lead to the nerve of the tooth, and when these tubules are exposed, hot, cold, or acidic foods can trigger discomfort or pain.

Several factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, including:

• Enamel erosion: Over time, enamel—the hard, outer surface of your teeth—can wear away due to acidic foods and drinks, aggressive brushing, or grinding your teeth.
• Gum recession: When gums recede, the roots of the teeth become exposed. Unlike the crowns of your teeth, the roots don’t have enamel, making them more susceptible to sensitivity.
• Tooth decay: Cavities can leave parts of your tooth vulnerable to sensitivity.
• Cracked or damaged teeth: Chips, cracks, or worn-down teeth can expose the inner layers, leading to discomfort.
• Post-dental procedures: Teeth may be temporarily sensitive after treatments like teeth whitening, fillings, or crowns.

Identifying the cause of your tooth sensitivity is the first step in finding the right treatment. Consulting with your dentist will help you determine the source of the problem and the most effective solution.

What Does Tooth Sensitivity Feel Like?

Tooth sensitivity can range from mild discomfort to sharp, sudden pain. It typically occurs when the teeth are exposed to:

• Hot or cold foods and drinks
• Sweet or acidic foods
• Cold air
• Brushing or flossing

For some people, the pain is fleeting and only occurs when eating or drinking certain items. For others, it may be more persistent and affect their day-to-day activities. Regardless of the severity, tooth sensitivity is treatable, and there are many options to help reduce the discomfort.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity at Home

In addition to the dental treatments mentioned above, there are steps you can take at home to help manage tooth sensitivity:

• Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing, which can wear down enamel and irritate your gums.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste: Regularly using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort over time.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Foods like citrus, soda, and vinegar can erode enamel, leading to sensitivity. Limit your intake of these items and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings are essential steps to maintaining strong and healthy teeth.

Take Control of Your Tooth Sensitivity at Waterdown Smiles Dentistry

Tooth sensitivity can be frustrating, but with the right treatments and preventive measures, you don’t have to live with discomfort. Whether you need fluoride treatments, fillings, or sealants, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your smile.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s work together to bring comfort and health back to your teeth. Call our office or book an appointment online to take the first step toward a pain-free smile.