What is Desensitizing Tooth Therapy?

 Why might you need it?
 Do you have sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can hold back enjoyment of your favorite foods and drinks.

If a scoop of ice cream or a sip of hot tea suddenly makes you cringe with pain, then chances are you suffer from dentin hypersensitivity, or what's more commonly known as tooth sensitivity. For 1 of every 4 adults who suffer from this tooth discomfort, even breathing through your mouth can cause terrible pain. Often this discomfort is triggered by cold, hot, sweet and/or sour foods and drinks, or by touch. Tooth sensitivity happens when your gums begin to recede or your tooth enamel begins to wear away, exposing the tooth's microscopic underlying layer, called dentin. When these tiny hollow channels are exposed, shooting sensations of cold and hot are sent to the nerves of your teeth.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

  Teeth are protected by gums and enamel, but they can be worn down in several ways such as:

Gum recession: a condition in which the protective tissue around the teeth is lost and pulls away towards the root. Receding gums can be caused by periodontal disease (gum disease), bone loss and improper tooth brushing (toothbrush abrasion). While gums can recede with age, improper brushing technique can also contribute to the problem by pushing gums back until they no longer cover the teeth at the natural gum line. This can lead to dentin exposure and tooth sensitivity.
Vigorous brushing and/or grinding: Brushing too hard or grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, especially when it is "soft". Over time, the erosion of enamel can leave the dentin exposed -- which leads to increased sensitivity.
Dietary acids: Enamel, which covers the tooth's surface above the gum line, can be softened by acidic foods and drinks. Examples include pop, some alcoholic drinks, citrus fruits and drinks. Once the acid softens the tooth's protective covering, it can take a while for the enamel to harden again. This makes it more susceptible to further wear from brushing.
Dental treatments: Certain dental treatments can lead to temporary sensitivity such as bleaching or whitening, gum surgery, and scaling or polishing.

Soothe Sensitive Teeth

 Here are some ways to prevent or minimize tooth pain:

  1. Prevent gum disease with good dental hygiene, including daily flossing. Once your gums begin to recede, the tooth's sensitive roots can be exposed.
  2. Don't chew on ice. Chomping on ice cubes can cause tiny fractures to form within your tooth.
  3. Brush properly by making small, circular motions over the surface of your teeth. The key is to be gentle and not to scrub your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that isn't too abrasive. Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages. Tip: Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages.
  4. When drinking acidic beverages such as orange juice or pop, drink with a straw pointed away from your teeth to limit the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth.
  5. Consider using sensitivity toothpaste. Available over the counter, this toothpaste can help to provide a barrier to pain-causing sensations. Sensitivity toothpaste can provide effective relief while still providing the benefits of regular toothpaste. Note: Relief from this type of toothpaste generally takes time, with improvement usually seen within the first two weeks.
  6. When none of the above 5 pointers are helping consider seeing your Dentist or Dental Hygienist for Desensitizing Therapy. This is a special Varnish that is applied to the sensitive tooth area as is usually covered by dental benefits.

    Phone to book your free consultation.