How to Cope with Tooth Sensitivity: A Comprehensive Guide

Tooth sensitivity is a painful experience, often triggered by exposed roots, worn enamel, cracked teeth, cavities, or dental procedures, and can appear in various ways, making it challenging to manage.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a condition where environmental factors, like temperature or flavour, cause discomfort in a tooth, ranging from minor sensations to sudden pain.

It is common in cavities but can also occur without visible decay.

It occurs when teeth’s roots are exposed, lacking protective enamel.

Common triggers include hot or cold drinks or foods; less common ones include sweet, spicy, or sour foods.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity may occur as a result of a variety of circumstances.

A few of them are:

• Poor oral hygiene creates the perfect habitat for increasing bacteria and other bugs, harming the gums, teeth, and mouth. This is directly tied to the emergence and spread of diseases.
• Tooth sensitivity may occur from consuming acid-rich foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and vinegar, without proper measures.
• Hygienic actions can cause harm, such as brushing too vigorously or using hard brushes, exposing teeth’s roots and scratching enamel, leaving small bacteria-friendly marks. Acid mouthwashes and peroxide-based tooth whitening products can also cause sensitivity, and surgical procedures may cause temporary tooth sensitivity as a side effect.
• Diseases and other pre-existing conditions can make teeth sensitive. Tooth sensitivity can be brought on by gingivitis, periodontal disease, a broken tooth, and cavities, which can all create a direct connection between the outside environment and the root and nerve.

How Do Sensitive Teeth Feel?

From a slight ache to severe pain, sensitive teeth symptoms might vary. Pain might come and go and be more severe at certain times than others. You might not have pain in every tooth, depending on the reason for your sensitivity.

How to Manage Teeth Sensitivity?

To reduce tooth sensitivity and discomfort, follow these tips:

• Use soft bristles, brush slowly and thoroughly for five minutes, and avoid vigorous brushing.
• Use non-acid mouthwashes with fluoridated toothpaste, as fluoridated toothpaste is specifically designed for tooth sensitivity.
• Remember to bring your toothbrush if you consume a lot of citrus and other veggies or frequently use vinegar in your cooking. Brushing after meals reduces tooth sensitivity.
• Visit your dentist regularly to assess your mouth’s status and provide specific instructions.

These tips will help you fight tooth sensitivity, decrease pain, and prevent discomfort.

How to Treat Sensitive Teeth

Customised treatments for sensitive teeth often require individual attention.

The following are some possible options:

• Application of fluoride– A fluoride gel or varnish can strengthen tooth enamel, reduces sensation transmission, and alleviates discomfort.
• Bonding resin– It alleviates discomfort on sensitive root surfaces.
• Surgical gum graft– It protects exposed roots and reduces sensitivity.
• Root canal treatment– It may be recommended for severe sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Campbelltown

Sensitive teeth can impact daily life; effective management requires knowledge, strategies, and professional help.

At Marketfair Dental Care, we can help you prevent tooth sensitivity pain, allowing you to enjoy food and drink without fear. We also help understand the root cause and offer treatment options.

Visit your Campbelltown dentist today!

Call (02) 4620 0800 or book an appointment online.

We are located at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.