When consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic meals and drinks, do you experience sudden pain in your teeth? If yes, you might have dental sensitivity. 

According to the Canadian Dental Association, approximately 1 in 4 adults in Canada suffer from tooth sensitivity.

Drinking, eating, and brushing your teeth can all be made unpleasant by tooth sensitivity. The discomfort brought on by sensitive teeth can, fortunately, be reduced with some procedures. 

At Airdrie Springs Dental, we understand that sensitive teeth can cause discomfort and pain in day-to-day life. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and sensitive teeth treatment in Airdrie.

Visiting Sensitive Teeth Dental Clinic in Airdrie at Airdrie Springs Dental can help you overcome the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth and help you eat and drink comfortably.

What is Teeth Sensitivity?

When the dentin, the layer of your teeth beneath the enamel, is exposed, it causes dental sensitivity. Gum recession (when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots) and Erosion (wear and tear) might be the reason for this.

The roots of teeth include thousands of small tubules that lead to the interior of your tooth but aren’t protected by strong enamel. The nerve in your tooth is stimulated by stimuli like hot, cold, or sweet food through these dentinal tubules (or channels), which causes the pain.

Teeth sensitivity could be a sign of cavities, gum disease, or a damaged tooth.

Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

• Unpleasant Reactions to Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks

Feeling discomfort and shooting pain while having hot and cold foods and drinks is the most commonly experienced symptom for people with sensitivity.

It is advised to visit sensitive teeth dental clinic if you are facing trouble while having hot and cold foods and drinks to get it treated before the issue gets severe.

• Pain During Brushing or Flossing

When you start feeling discomfort and pain during brushing and flossing, it could be another symptom of tooth sensitivity. This can be caused by certain factors, including gum recession, tooth decay or improper brushing technique.

• Sensitivity to Acidic and Sweet Foods and Drinks

When you cannot enjoy acid-rich or sweet food and beverages, and it causes you pain and discomfort, it could be a symptom of dental sensitivity. Acidic and sweet foods and drinks can erode the outer covering of your teeth, which is enamel, and exposes the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

• Too Much Mouthwash

The excessive use of mouthwash can erode dental enamel and increase sensitivity to temperature changes.

• Eating Acidic Foods

Consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pickles can erode the tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer.

• Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages

For some people, consuming food and beverages that have extreme temperatures- hot or cold, might make their teeth sensitive.

• Tooth Whiteners and Some Toothpaste

Certain kinds of toothpaste and dental whitening products contain ingredients that can aggravate sensitivity.

• Receding Gums

When gum tissue around the tooth starts receding, it exposes the sensitive tooth roots, which cause dental sensitivity.

• Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Putting too much pressure when brushing or using a toothbrush with a firm bristle can wear down the tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.

• Recent Dental Work

After certain dental procedures, like teeth cleaning or fillings, you may experience sensitivity.

• Cracked Teeth

A crack in the tooth can expose the dentin layer, which in turn leads to sensitivity.

• Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

The sensitive layer of the tooth might become visible as a result of grinding or clenching, which wears away the enamel.

• Tooth Decay

Cavities brought on by tooth decay may result in sensitivity.

By the age of 65, 96% of Canadians, according to the Canadian Dental Association, have at least one cavity, which can cause tooth decay and sensitivity.

How are Sensitive Teeth Diagnosed?

The first thing to do if you have signs of sensitive teeth in Airdrie, Alberta, is to schedule a dental appointment with General Dentist Airdrie.

Your dentist will perform a complete oral examination during your consultation to look for any potential reasons for your sensitivity. They might inquire about your symptoms and dental hygiene practices. 

Your dentist might also carry out certain procedures, such as blowing air or administering cold water to your teeth, to determine the precise source of your sensitivity. An endodontist, who specializes in identifying and treating tooth pain and sensitivity, might be recommended by your dentist if you have severe tooth sensitivity. 

Once a diagnosis has been made, your dentist will collaborate with you to create an effective treatment strategy to meet your unique needs.

Effective Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

• Use Desensitising Toothpaste

By obstructing the tubules in the dentin, desensitizing toothpaste can assist in lessening sensitivity. These kinds of toothpaste have ingredients like strontium chloride or potassium nitrate that can help relieve discomfort. 

To notice benefits, however, you need to use this toothpaste for at least a month. 

Consider contacting a sensitive teeth dentist in Airdrie to inquire about utilizing desensitizing toothpaste if you are experiencing sensitive teeth.

• Use Fluoridated Dental Products

According to a study, fluoride varnish can significantly lessen tooth sensitivity in people who have gum recession. 

Your tooth enamel can be strengthened with fluoride, reducing sensitivity. Fluoride can be ingested through mouthwash, toothpaste, and professional dental care.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene includes properly brushing twice a day and flossing. This can help in reducing sensitivity as good oral hygiene helps one to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases, which can cause sensitivity.

• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

By using a toothbrush with soft bristles, you can lessen the risk of further enamel erosion and gum recession, both of which can increase sensitivity. 

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can dramatically lessen tooth abrasion and wear. Look for a toothbrush with gentle bristles while shopping to prevent irritating sensitive teeth.

• Dental Bonding

The dental bonding process involves putting tooth-coloured resin material to fill in the gaps or cracks. This helps in reducing sensitivity by protecting the exposed dentin. It is a simple and effective treatment for sensitivity.

• Dentin Sealers

Dentin Sealers are a type of varnish that can be applied to teeth to seal the exposed dentin and reduce the sensitivity. This treatment can provide relief from sensitivity for several months.

• Avoid Teeth Grinding

Gum recession and enamel loss from teeth grinding, often known as bruxism, can increase sensitivity. Your dentist might advise wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth while sleeping if you grind your teeth in your sleep. This can lessen sensitivity and stop additional damage.

• Surgical Gum Graft

A surgical gum transplant might be required when gum recession is the root of sensitivity. To cover the exposed root, this surgery includes grafting tissue from another area of the mouth onto the afflicted area. This can lessen discomfort and enhance the gums’ look.

• Root Canal

Your dentist can suggest a root canal if the cause of your sensitivity is nerve damage or an infection. The injured or infected nerve tissue is removed during this surgery, and the root canal is then filled with a specific substance. This may lessen sensitivity and pain.

• See your Dentist Regularly

Visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleaning. Your dentist can monitor any existing dental issues as well as recommend proper sensitive teeth treatment in Airdrie. It can also prevent any more dental problems from developing.

At Airdrie Springs Dental, we understand how tooth sensitivity affects the quality of your life. That’s why we offer a range of effective treatments to alleviate tooth sensitivity and improve your overall oral health. 

Whether you’re looking for a sensitive teeth dentist in Airdrie or need routine dental care, we’re always accepting new dental patients. 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to optimal oral health.