Sensitive Teeth
Do you have Sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth (or dentin hypersensitivity) refers to a condition when a person experiences sharp, sudden pain or discomfort in their teeth when exposed to certain triggers. Common triggers include:
- Cold or hot foods and drinks
- Sweet or acidic foods
- Cold air
- Brushing or flossing
- Mouth rinses with alcohol
The pain is typically short but intense, affecting one or more teeth. Sensitive teeth can be a sign that the protective enamel layer has worn down or the gums have receded, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin contains tiny tubules that lead to the tooth’s nerve, so when it’s exposed, external stimuli can cause pain.
Common sensitive tooth treatments include the use of sensitive toothpaste, fillings on the affected or broken parts of the teeth, gum grafting or diet modification to name a few.
Common Causes
- Tooth Decay
- The most common cause of a sensitive teeth are dental cavities. When the bacteria decays the tooth, the nerve endings in the dentine can be exposed, resulting in a sensitive tooth.
- Plaque and Tartar (Calculus) build-up resulting in Gum Recession
- Plaque forms on your teeth every day as a result of bacteria feeding on sugars from the foods you consume. When plaque is not removed thoroughly enough, it can accumulate and lead to gingivitis. Severe build-up of plaque and calculus can build-up under the gums resulting in gum recession, exposing the sensitive part of the teeth.
- Dental work
- It is not uncommon to see dental work causing sensitive teeth. As a tooth adjusts to it's new state (eg. dental filling), the nerve in the tooth may be slightly inflamed causing hypersensitivity for a short period.
- Tooth grinding and trauma
- Trauma and teeth grinding can cause teeth to crack, fracture or erode away, exposing more of that precious, sensitive tooth dentine.
- Excessive teeth whitening
- One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. Prolonged or excessive teeth whitening may cause teeth sensitivity, although in most cases this is temporary.
Symptoms
- Pain
- The most notable symptom of a sensitive tooth is a sharp or throbbing pain that can sometimes radiate to the jaw, neck or ear.
- Pain when chewing
- Sharp or dull pain can be experienced if the sensitive tooth is related to a crack or fracture
- Discomfort when brushing
- Exposed nerve endings on the root surface can cause discomfort when you brush
- A chill in your teeth when you breathe in
- Cold air mouth breathing can sometimes cause that sharp shooting pain
Why Choose Us
- Experienced Dentist
- Our clinic provides comprehensive toothache assessments, addressing both simple and complex cases. While our skilled Dentists assess each situation individually, there may be instances where referral to a Specialist is recommended for optimal care.
- Comprehensive Dental Care
- We have a keen focus on treating your oral health as a whole, not just focusing on your teeth! We look at everything and anything that may affect your oral health. This includes your breathing (airway), your habits, your smile, your goals, your work etc. That's our comprehensive care promise to you.
- Friendly and calming Environment
- Our caring and professional team goes the extra mile (or kilometre in Australia) to create a relaxing experience for every visit. We understand that the dentist (and hence gum treatment) can be a source of anxiety and pain for some, and we work hard to provide a calming environment for all ages.
- We have calming music playing throughout the clinic and TVs to create that serene atmosphere.
- We treat all ages
- We love treating all ages! Whether you need a paediatric dentist for your little one or complex restorative dentistry for yourself or your parents, our tailored approach ensures that each patient receives the appropriate care, no matter the age.
- Prevention is better than cure!
- Here at Dental at Keys, we believe that prevention is the key to optimum oral health. That's why we will teach you the best ways to reduce your risk of another dental tooth ache.
Interested?
Contact us now on (03) 8899 6331 or check out our other services here.
Need help with payments?
We also have a variety of Payment Plans available - giving you the flexibility of paying for your sensitive teeth treatment later.
Questions about Sensitive teeth?
- What happens if a sensitive tooth is left untreated?
- It is never a good idea to leave anything untreated. A sensitive tooth will continue to be sensitive unless otherwise treated and may worsen with time.
- Can a sensitive tooth go away on its own?
- Generally speaking is it possible for sensitive teeth to become less sensitive with time, provided the stimuli is no longer present.
- What foods cause sensitive teeth?
- Foods which are sweet and acidic generally have the ability to cause sensitivity in teeth
- Does mouth gel from the pharmacy or clove oil work for a sensitive tooth?
- Anti-inflammatory gels applied topically in the tooth area may help if the pain is more related to the gums. If it is due to a tooth, it is unlikely to help. There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of clove oil but some report it helps temporary relief from pain.
