Sensitive Teeth
Do you have sensitivity to hot and cold, sweets or biting and chewing?
Reasons for tooth sensitivity
- Cavities
- Recession of the gums exposing the roots of the teeth
- Cracked tooth
- Thinner enamel/ acid wear on the teeth
- Pulpitis
What to do?
- Tell your dentist and dental hygienist
- We will ask more probing questions eg. When do you feel the sensitivity? With hot and cold? With sugar? With chewing?
- Depending on your answers we may or may not need to take some radiographs
- If a cavity is diagnosed than the treatment is to have ‘the cavity filled’
- If you have sensitivity to cold and hot. Try a sensitivity toothpaste (Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive)
- If you have localized sensitivity to hot and cold than you can rub a little bit of sensitivity toothpaste on that tooth and root of the tooth. Leave it overnight. It can build up a layer of protection over the tooth decreasing the sensitivity to cold.
- If you have recession that is very sensitive a gum graft performed by a periodontist can help to cover the exposed root of the tooth therefore taking away the sensitivity. A consult never hurts.
- If pulpitis is discovered this may require antibiotics, a root canal or an extraction of the tooth.
If there are any concerns or questions than please let us know!