The Causes And Treatments Of Sensitive Teeth

This sensitivity can be in the form of a mild twinge or severe discomfort which may last several hours. It’s a very common problem and can happen at any age. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimise sensitive teeth and prevent this issue from impacting your life.

Those suffering from sensitive teeth might limit their food choices, which can have an impact on your enjoyment of life. It could also cause you to stop brushing your teeth correctly, particularly if the sensitivity is triggered when you are caring for your teeth.

In this guide, we’re looking at the most common causes of sensitive teeth and what you can do to help prevent it. If you’re worried about your teeth being too sensitive, you can book a dental checkup with our team. This will help to rule out potential complications, such as tooth decay.

What causes sensitive teeth?

To understand what causes sensitive teeth, we first need to understand the structure of the teeth. Our teeth are covered in a hard layer of enamel which helps to protect the innermost layers of the tooth from damage and decay.

When this enamel is lost, the dentine below the tooth can become sensitive. The most common area for this is along the gum line.

There are a number of things that could lead this to happen, including:

• Toothbrush abrasion, acid erosion and tooth grinding – these all cause the enamel to be worn away exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.

• Excessive use of teeth whitening products – this can cause damage to the enamel and lead to increased sensitivity. While a small amount of sensitivity after teeth whitening is not uncommon, this should go away as the small pores in the teeth close. However, if you overuse these treatments, it will become more difficult for the small pores to close, leaving your teeth feeling sore and sensitivity.

• Gum recession and gum disease – this can cause sensitivity when the roots of teeth become exposed. The roots are not covered in protective enamel and are therefore more sensitive.

Treatment for sensitive teeth

Once the enamel is gone, there is no way to get it back. This is why enamel erosion is so serious. There are steps you can take to help tackle the sensitivity, including changes to your oral health routine.

Change your toothpaste

There are a number of different toothpastes on the market designed to treat sensitivity. You should use these twice a day and it may also be helpful to rub the toothpaste into the teeth and gums for added effect. You might want to switch to a soft toothbrush until you manage to get your sensitive teeth under control.

Sensitive teeth can make brushing quite uncomfortable, but it is important that you make sure you keep brushing your teeth regularly or the problem will get worse. You might find it more comfortable to wet your toothbrush with warm water and to rinse with warm water.

It will take some time for the treatment to take effect and the effects will only work for as long as you continue to use the toothpaste. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best toothpaste for your needs.

Stop teeth whitening

If you are using teeth whitening products, we recommend stopping this treatment until you have treated the sensitivity. It’s important not to ignore pain that arises as a result of your whitening treatments, as this could become permanent if it is not addressed.

Change your diet

You may find that certain food and drink can bring on sensitivity so these are best avoided where possible. Common triggers include iced drinks, very hot drinks, sugary sweets and boiled sweets.

If you have tried a sensitive toothpaste and are not experiencing any benefit after three weeks, book an appointment with your dentist and they will be able to ascertain whether there are any other causes of your sensitivity.

It may be necessary for teeth to be treated with fluoride gels or varnishes or for small areas to be filled to ensure that the dentine does not remain exposed and continue to cause distress. In the most serious cases it may be necessary for the tooth to be root filled.

Addressing enamel erosion

Sensitivity that happens as a result of enamel erosion can lead to the ends of the teeth appearing darker and discoloured. The thin ends of the teeth can also chip easier and become uneven.

If this happens, we might recommend composite bonding to help protect the teeth and restore the end of the tooth. Veneers could also be recommended in certain situations to help address lost enamel and sensitivity.

If your enamel erosion is caused by grinding your teeth at night, you could benefit from stress reduction techniques and wearing a custom mouth guard at night time.

How to prevent sensitive teeth

If you want to avoid sensitive teeth in the future, there are steps you can take. We often recommend patients follow these steps if they are planning to start teeth whitening treatments, as it can help to minimise the risk of increased sensitivity.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular movements with a soft to medium bristled brush.

• Change your toothbrush every 2 – 3 months or sooner if it is worn down. The bristles should stand straight up and not be bent. Bent bristles won’t be as effective at cleaning your teeth and could contribute to enamel erosion.

• Try to reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, or restrict them to meal times. Enjoying these as an occasional treat after a meal is far better for your oral health and is easier to follow than cutting them out entirely.

• If you grind your teeth, discuss whether a mouth guard would be suitable for you.

Final thoughts on treatment for sensitive teeth

Remember that sensitive teeth could be a sign of something more serious such as gum disease or tooth decay. If home treatments are not effective in addressing sensitivity, always book an appointment with your dentist to explore your options.

If you need any more information or advice on treating sensitivity do not hesitate to call Leigh Dental Centre on 01702472929 and book in for a consultation.