Did You Know Sensitive Teeth Can be Treated?

If having a hot drink or an ice-cream is a painful and unpleasant experience, or if it hurts to breathe in cold air, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by tooth decay, worn fillings, fractured teeth, gum disease, or worn tooth enamel. If you have gum recession, this can expose the tooth root, also causing tooth sensitivity.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

The problem arises when tooth enamel is compromised, exposing the dentin underneath and which is less dense than enamel. Dentin contains lots of microscopic tubules allowing the sensations of hot, cold or sweet and sour foods to penetrate the nerve inside the tooth. Not surprisingly, this can feel very unpleasant!

How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

It is best to have a checkup with us here at Happy Rock Dental, just in case tooth sensitivity is caused by any untreated dental problems. Repairing a damaged tooth will help eliminate sensitivity. Otherwise, tooth sensitivity can be treated with in-office applications of fluoride to harden tooth enamel, or we may recommend desensitising toothpaste. This contains compounds that block the tubules, preventing the sensations from reaching the tooth nerve.