What You Should Know About Tooth Sensitivity

Do your teeth heart when you eat ice cream? What about when you drink coffee or tea? Tooth sensitivity is discomfort or sudden, sharp pain that can travel into the nerve endings of your teeth. It occurs when you eat or drink hot, cold, sweet and sour foods and beverages or breath in cold air. If any of the above symptoms seem familiar to you, schedule an appointment at your dental office in Winnipeg today.

Types of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be dentinal and pulpal.

Dentinal sensitivity:

The crowns of your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel and the roots of your teeth underneath your gum line are protected by a layer called cementum.

Dentin, however, is located between the enamel and the cementum and is much softer than the enamel and cementum. Dentin is the main calcareous portion of your tooth, it is beneath the enamel and surrounds the pulp chamber and root canals. When the dentin is exposed, you will experience, sharp or shooting pain whenever your teeth come into contact with hot or cold foods and beverages. Once the enamel is removed, the tubules in the dentin allow hot, cold, acidic and sticky foods, and beverages to stimulate the nerves and cells inside your tooth. This is most intense when eating or drinking something cold like an ice pop.

Pulpal sensitivity:

only one of your teeth will be affected if you have pulpal sensitivity. This is due to the reaction of the tooth’s pulp.

Your Winnipeg dentist will determine which type of tooth sensitivity you are experiencing.

 Tooth Sensitivity Causes

When your gums recede, the dentin becomes exposed and as a result, you experience tooth sensitivity. Without hard enamel, the uncovered roots contain thousands of microscope tubules that lead to the pulp (the tooth’s nerve center). The dentinal tubules allow hot, sweet or cold food and beverages to reach the nerves in your teeth which is why you experience pain or sensitivity. Sensitivity may also be the result of microcracks in your tooth, which are invisible to the human eye. Other causes of tooth sensitivity include:

• Bruxism
• Cracked teeth
• Periodontal disease
• Plaque build-up
• Wear and tear
• Poor oral hygiene
• Untreated cavities
• Recent dental procedures
• Whitening Products
• Mouthwash

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

Tooth sensitivity can feel like a constant, and nagging problem. The good news is, once you visit your Winnipeg dental clinic, your dentist is able to diagnose and provide you with the proper treatment. With that said, it is important for you to adjust your eating habits and oral hygiene regiment to prevent dentin from re-exposure in the future.

Once your dentist identifies the cause of your tooth sensitivity, he will make a treatment recommendation. For example, if the pain is caused by dentine sensitivity, your dentist may suggest you use a specific, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth rinse for sensitive teeth. Toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth forms a protective layer over them and the fluoride they contain reduces sensitivity.

If the sensitivity is caused by a crack in your tooth, it will be treated using a dental crown. If your tooth sensitivity is severe, your Winnipeg dentist might use adhesives, resins or varnishes to seal the exposed area.

Prevention

You can prevent tooth sensitivity by:

• Practicing good oral hygiene: use a soft-bristled toothbrush, desensitizing toothpaste and a fluoridated mouth rinse.

• Visiting your dental office in Winnipeg: you should schedule a professional dental cleaning every six months to enhance your oral health and detect possible issues.

• Wearing a mouthguard: If you suffer from bruxism or tooth grinding, you should wear a mouth guard at night to prevent contact between the teeth.

• Avoiding acid: limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages.

To learn more about tooth sensitivity and ways you can prevent it, schedule an appointment at your Winnipeg dental clinic.