When you suffer from tooth sensitivity, it can be challenging to think about treatments like dental cleanings or professional teeth whitening without cringing due to the discomfort you may feel. The good news is that tooth sensitivity doesn't have to hold you back from the dental care and procedures you need and want to enhance your smile because your Barrie dentist can help! Here's what you should know.
Understanding Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Symptoms
There may be several different explanations as to why your teeth are sensitive, including:
- Worn tooth enamel — When tooth enamel wears down, it exposes a more sensitive inner layer of the tooth called dentin.
- Exposed roots — Gum recession results in root exposure, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth decay — You may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures if your tooth has decay.
- A crack or fracture — Tooth sensitivity can indicate a cracked or fractured tooth.
- Gum disease — If you suffer from advanced gum disease (periodontitis), you may feel some tenderness or sensitivity in your tooth.
- A broken down or worn filling — If you have a broken or worn filling that's pulling away from your tooth, it may have allowed bacteria back into the tooth, which causes sensitivity.
- Teeth whitening gel — Some patients experience tooth sensitivity when professionally whitening their teeth.
Some symptoms of tooth sensitivity can be sudden pain or a zing in your tooth and pain or tenderness when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
Tooth sensitivity may prevent you from seeking dental care; however, the best thing you can do for your smile is to visit your dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups. We provide comfortable dental cleanings for sensitive teeth. We can help identify and treat problems like gum disease, worn fillings, tooth decay, or cracked teeth that could be causing tooth sensitivity.
Best Practices for Brushing and Flossing with Sensitive Teeth
Adjusting your oral home care habits can reduce tooth sensitivity. For example, you can use toothpaste designed to reduce tooth sensitivity and avoid brushing vigorously, which can wear away the protective layer of your tooth enamel and expose dentin.
Flossing daily is also essential as it reduces your chances of developing gum disease, leading to gum recession, root exposure, and tooth sensitivity.
Dietary Tips to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Did you know that certain foods and beverages can contribute to tooth sensitivity? It's true!
Highly acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, tomatoes, black coffee, wine, and soda can cause enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity. Carbohydrates or foods high in sugar may contribute to causing tooth decay, which can result in tooth sensitivity. Foods and drinks high in caffeine may cause dry mouth, which could also contribute to tooth sensitivity.
Enrich Your Diet
Foods that are good for your oral health to focus on adding to your diet are:
- Dairy products — Cheese, milk, and yogurt contain calcium that helps strengthen your teeth.
- Proteins — Proteins like meats, tofu, and fish contain phosphorus that aids in hardening and strengthening tooth enamel.
- Fruits and vegetables—Fruits and vegetables help increase saliva flow and fibre, which reduces acids in the mouth.
Avoiding sugary and starchy snacks helps protect teeth from plaque buildup, which can cause tooth decay and cavities, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Professional Dental Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
There are some treatments that your dentist in Barrie, ON, can provide to help alleviate tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Fluoride treatments—Your dentist can provide fluoride treatment that coincides with your teeth cleaning. This helps strengthen tooth enamel and guard against tooth sensitivity.
- Dental sealants — A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating your dentist applies to the chewing surface of your tooth to fill in grooves and protect it from the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay.
- Dental bonding—Your dentist can repair minor chips and fractures and strengthen your tooth with dental bonding. This non-invasive procedure uses composite resin, the material we use for dental fillings, which we can custom blend to match your tooth.
Your dentist may also recommend toothpaste or mouth rinses that can help reduce tooth sensitivity. If you haven't already, you may want to switch to an electric toothbrush, which can help eliminate vigorous tooth brushing that erodes enamel.
Comfortable Dental Care for Sensitive Teeth in Barrie
If you're struggling with tooth sensitivity, please don't hesitate to talk with your dentist and hygienist. Your hygienist can take steps to provide a gentle teeth cleaning that minimizes tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can help pinpoint the root cause of your sensitive teeth and recommend the best treatment or products to help you feel more comfortable.
Is it time for your next dental appointment? Call Park Place Dental, your Barrie dentist, at (705) 728-9922 to book your next professional teeth cleaning and checkup.
