Dental Articles - Toronto

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY?

Tooth sensitivity can be experienced due to various reasons, such as:

• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Part of a tooth that has chipped off or decayed, needing to be repaired
• Tooth roots being exposed

Depending on the cause, you might experience a mild to moderate discomfort or dull pain, on the consumption of hot/cold drinks or food.

At your visit to our Toronto dental clinic, our dentist can point out the exact causes of trouble after examining your oral cavity & will suggest the best course of treatment for you.

SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY WORN OUT ENAMEL

Enamel is the topmost layer of your tooth which acts as a barrier against plaque. Enamel gets worn out with time due to vigorous brushing, consumption of food with a lower PH (like soft drinks), acid reflux disease, certain medications, prolong habit of clenching or night grinding. If your sensitivity is due to enamel erosion, the following methods will prevent erosion to worsen.

• Sensitivity toothpaste- Switching from your regular toothpaste to a sensitivity toothpaste can help you get rid of the discomfort. An active ingredient in these toothpastes, blocks microscopic tubular structures in your dentin, halting the irritation of the local nerves.
• Desensitizing agents like Fluoride varnishes remineralizes the teeth, making the enamel more resistant to demineralization by plaque bacteria.
• Cut down excessive consumption of citrus fruits, soft drinks & acidic food like pickles.
• Proper Brushing technique Brush twice a day for two minutes using proper brushing technique, with a soft to extra soft-bristled brush.

SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY TOOTH GRINDING

If you have a habit of tooth grinding that you are aware of (in stress) or it happens unconsciously (night grinding-bruxism), consult your dentist so they can assess if you need a custom made night guard.

SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY GUM DISEASE & EXPOSED TOOTH ROOTS

Due to poor gum health, your gingiva might have recessed, uncovering a portion of the underlying dentin. The receding gum level might go back on its own after a thorough scaling & debridement, or it might need to be repaired using a tissue graft.

SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY A CRACKED TOOTH OR FILLING

Your tooth might have cracked & the crack could have gone all the way to your root. It will elicit pain on the consumption of cold food. Depending on the depth of the crack, your dentist will decide on the needed treatment.

Have regular annual dental visits, so the dentists can do an overall assessment for any broken fillings, decay, gingival disease and and do an overall oral health check.

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tooth sensitivity  teeth grinding