Is one tooth suddenly sensitive? Or are all of your teeth sensitive out of the blue? Thankfully sensitive teeth are easy to treat, which means you don’t have to put up with the pain forever.
Sensitive teeth treatment
We know that life is not always enjoyable when you have sensitive teeth. Simple day-to-day activities like brushing, eating and drinking can cause temporary pain, Some patients in the past, have thought there’s nothing that can be done other than special toothpaste and avoiding certain foods and eating in a particular way. But sensitive teeth are not something you have to put up with.
Sensitive teeth are usually caused as a result of enamel erosion or an exposed tooth root, which can cause you some discomfort and pain.
However, it’s important to note that sensitive teeth can also be an indicator of more serious problems like cavities, infection or gum disease if the pain appears suddenly and sharply.
Typical treatments for sensitive teeth
If sensitive teeth bother you, it’s time to visit your dentist. First, we’ll conduct an exam that identifies the underlying cause of your tooth pain and sensitivity and determine the best next steps to fix it. Book an emergency appointment.
Treatments we might recommend include:
- Dental bonding: A composite resin can treat sensitive root surfaces or cover exposed root surfaces, which might cause your heightened sensitivity. Dental bonding is relatively inexpensive and protects the underlying tooth.
- Fluoride treatments: We can apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth, strengthening tooth enamel and reducing pain. We can even prescribe the use of fluoride at home, which you’ll apply using a custom tray.
- Surgical gum grafts: In the case of receding gums, where the tooth root has lost protective gum tissue, we can take a small amount of tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and attach it to the affected site.
- Simple fillings or dental crowns can protect teeth from inflammation and decay if a chipped, broken or cracked tooth has filled with bacteria.
Sensitivity in one or a few teeth might warn you of an underlying issue with your smile. For example, patients requiring a root canal might sometimes feel a heightened sensitivity to hot or cold, indicating an infection in the root, a nerve problem or excessive decay.
We can carry out a root canal at our Surrey practice for just £950. 0% finance available for patients wishing to spread the cost.
If you have gum disease, the inflamed and sore gum tissue can cause sensitivity as there’s been a loss of supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface that leads directly to the tooth’s nerve. Sometimes, it’s actually sensitive gums that cause you pain, rather than sensitive teeth, which might feel the same if gum tissue has been lost.
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Sensitive teeth symptoms
What are the symptoms of tooth sensitivity?
- Arising sensitivity from temperature variations.
- Painful reactions to hot and cold food and drink.
- Discomfort when coming into contact with cold beverages.
- Tooth pain when brushing and flossing.
- Heightened sensitivity to acidic, sweet and sour foods.
- Throbbing pain when biting down on something.
At-home help for sensitive teeth
Patients can sometimes manage mild sensitivity at-home with remedies like desensitizing toothpaste, which, after several applications, can help to reduce the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
However, whilst there’s no shortage of products available over-the-counter and on the shelf, it’s best to consult with a dentist to manage your sensitivity properly and long-term.
One of the best preventive measures to fight against sensitivity is to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush alongside fluoride toothpaste and flossing. Gentle strokes, as opposed to vigorous scrubbing, paired with abrasive toothpaste, can make all the difference.
Drinking through a straw can also limit the contact your teeth make with acidic and sugary substances, which can remove small amounts of enamel over time.
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- 1 Spencer Rd, East Molesey Surrey KT8 0DL
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- 5 minutes from Hampton Court