Have your teeth become more sensitive to heat and cold, pressure or other sensations? Teeth sensitivity can have many possible causes, with as many treatment options. It can also sometimes be a warning sign of an underlying problem.
Our dentists at Robina Town Dental will aim to identify the cause of your tooth sensitivity so we can recommend effective treatments and prevention. Give us a call today on 07 5575 9100 or book a consultation today.
What are sensitive teeth?
Teeth naturally have some sensitivity to temperature and pressure, but if you’ve noticed your teeth getting more sensitive over time, or you’ve always had more sensitive teeth, this may cause some discomfort or even pain. Teeth sensitivity can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common in adults than children, and may affect women more than men.
Sensitivity can range from mild discomfort when eating to pain that lasts for several hours. Teeth may feel sensitive to hot and cold food and drink, cool air, or other sensations, such as sweet and sour foods. Teeth may also feel sensitive when biting down or being brushed.
Why do I have sensitive teeth?
Teeth usually become more sensitive when the protective enamel layer is damaged or wears down, exposing the softer dentin layer beneath or the sensitive nerve inside the tooth. This can happen for many reasons, including:
Tooth decay
Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacteria building up on teeth in the form of plaque. When these bacteria feed on sugars in the food and drink you consume, they release acids that wear down the enamel layer or form cavities, exposing the inner layers of teeth.
Chipped or cracked tooth
Teeth can damage for many reasons, and sensitivity could be a sign that a tooth has chipped, cracked or fractured. A damaged or lost filling or other restoration that exposes the tooth beneath can also cause sensitivity.
Over-brushing
Brushing your teeth too roughly or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can strip away enamel. Brushing too soon after eating or drinking something acidic or sugary may also cause damage, as the enamel is weakened after exposure to acids.
Acidic diet
Acids in food and drink (including soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and dressings) can erode tooth enamel over time, exposing the sensitive dentin layer. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acids can cause teeth to erode faster.
Pulp infection
Damage that exposes the interior of the tooth can allow bacteria to infect or irritate the dental pulp – the soft tissues at the centre of the tooth that connect to the nerve. This may cause heightened sensitivity or pain and may spread to other teeth if not treated.
Receding gums
Gum disease or rough toothbrushing can cause the gums to pull back from the teeth, exposing some of the teeth roots. These lack a protective enamel layer and are more sensitive than the crown of the tooth.
Teeth grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth can cause their surfaces to wear down, weaken or damage over time, increasing their sensitivity. Teeth grinding (bruxism) may happen during sleep or as a response to stress, anger, concentration or other situations.
Dental treatments
Teeth may feel sensitive if some enamel is removed during a dental treatment, such as to prepare teeth for fillings, crowns or veneers, but this should only be temporary. If the sensitivity doesn’t go away, you should contact your dentist.
Teeth whitening products
Some chemical teeth bleaching treatments may cause teeth to feel sensitive, especially products bought from stores. Professional teeth whitening provided by a dentist is less likely to cause problems, but you may still experience temporary sensitivity.
Can sensitive teeth be treated?
If you have sensitive or painful teeth, our dentists can help. We’ll examine your mouth and ask about your symptoms and any related factors, so we can determine the likely cause and discuss your treatment options. Some recommendations may include:
Fluoride treatment
A fluoride application is recommended as part of a routine check-up and clean visit, as fluoride can help to strengthen enamel and protect teeth against plaque and decay. If you have sensitive teeth, we may recommend applying fluoride to the target areas, or discuss safe fluoride products to use at home.
Bonding
Minor cracks or exposed dentin areas on teeth may be treated by applying composite resin to the surface, similar to that used in a filling. Bonding can help to reduce sensitivity and protect a tooth, as well as making cosmetic enhancements.
The bonded surface will be more prone to damage, staining, and wear than enamel, and the treatment will usually need to be repeated after several years, depending on how well you care for your treated teeth.
Filling
A cavity or minor damage to a tooth that’s causing sensitivity may be treated with a filling. Modern white fillings are made from composite resin that can be adjusted to perfectly match the shade of your tooth. They look more natural than metal fillings and require less preparation of the tooth.
Local anaesthetic will be used to numb pain during the treatment, though you may feel some temporary sensitivity afterwards.
Crown
If a tooth has more extensive damage or wear, our dentists may recommend placing a dental crown over the top to restore its shape and strength and protect its interior. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are a close match to natural tooth enamel, and are stronger and longer lasting than composite restorations.
At Robina Town Dental, we can place ceramic crowns in a single visit using CEREC technology. Other crowns require more than one visit, as the custom crown needs to be manufactured in a dental laboratory based on impressions of your teeth.
Root canal treatment
If you have a tooth pulp infection, our dentists will normally recommend root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue and restore the tooth. The dental pulp will be replaced with a synthetic filling and the tooth restored by placing a crown or large filling.
If an infected tooth is too badly damaged to save with root canal treatment, the only alternative is to extract the tooth.
Gum graft
If your gums have receded, it may be possible to replace the lost tissue and cover exposed tooth roots with gum grafting. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing tissue from other parts of the mouth and using it to rebuild the affected area.
Teeth grinding treatments
If you grind or clench your teeth, our dentists can recommend treatments and prevention based on the cause. This may involve wearing a night guard to prevent grinding during sleep, trying to avoid or manage stress, or correcting a misaligned bite with orthodontics or crowns.
How to prevent sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can’t always be effectively treated, and may have to be managed. Here are some suggestions for preventing or reducing tooth sensitivity in day-to-day life.
Improving your oral hygiene
Good brushing, flossing and oral care habits can help prevent problems such as tooth decay, erosion and gum disease that can lead to sensitivity. We recommend:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day – preferably before breakfast and last thing in the evening
- Not brushing straight after eating or drinking – wait at least an hour for acids on your teeth to be neutralised
- Using a toothbrush or electric toothbrush head with soft bristles
- Using fluoride toothpaste to reduce plaque, or a toothpaste for sensitive teeth recommended by your dentist
- Brushing with small circular motions, not side to side which can scratch the surfaces
- Replacing your toothbrush every 3 months, or as soon as it starts to go out of shape
- Flossing daily using traditional floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser if you also have sensitive gums
- Applying a desensitising gel, if advised by your dentist
Improving your diet
Cutting down on food and drinks high in sugar and acids can help to reduce tooth decay and erosion, as well as sensitive reactions. If you do have these, having them around mealtimes will cause less damage than having snacks or drinks throughout the day and repeatedly exposing your teeth to acid attacks.
Following a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help to strengthen, protect and rebuild teeth, especially when you get plenty of calcium and phosphorus.
Visiting your dentist
Six-monthly check-ups with a dentist improve the chance of any problems being identified at an early stage, when they’re usually easier to treat and before there may be permanent damage. Regular oral hygiene treatments can also help to remove built-up plaque and lower your risks.
Talk to a Gold Coast dentist about sensitive teeth treatments
If you’re worried about sensitive teeth or have other concerns, give our dentists a call on 07 5575 9100 or or visit our Gold Coast dental clinic in Robina Town Centre. You can also book an appointment online. We welcome patients from all nearby Gold Coast suburbs, including Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Clear Island Waters, Mermaid Waters, Merrimac, Miami, Mudgeeraba, Varsity Lakes and Worongary.