Seaway Family Dental - Cornwall

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Cornwall

Tooth discomfort triggered by temperature extremes, sugary, and acidic foods can be managed both in a dental clinic and with home remedies.
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The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity

To get right to the point, tooth pain happens when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Normally, our teeth are covered in a protective layer of enamel. On the inside, there is a layer of material called dentin and then the pulp at the core of the tooth which is filled with connective tissue, blood vessels and the nerve of the tooth. If enamel becomes too thin or there’s a breach exposing the dentin, the nerve is no longer protected. Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by any number of practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.

The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:
  • Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages– especially before bed.
  • Skipping routine tooth care including flossing!
  • Brushing aggressively or using a hard toothbrush.
  • Attempting to use professional dental tools at home.
  • Health issues (like bulimia or acid reflux) which expose teeth to stomach acid.
  • Untreated gum disease and gum recession.
  • Damaged, cracked or chipped teeth.
  • Dental cavities (especially if left untreated).
  • Using tobacco products, cannabis products or vaping.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth.
  • Overuse of some teeth whitening products.

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

The initial and crucial action when you have toothache or discomfort is to visit your dentist. This allows us to exclude other potential causes of your dental pain and suggest appropriate remedies for any identified damage or decay. Having a professional diagnosis ensures you are on the right path. Let’s go through the process step by step.

Figure out the underlying cause

We’ll avoid jumping to conclusions. In your examination, you’ll be prompted to detail the sensitivity and its frequency. New X-rays might be necessary, and the dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as the tap or cold test, may be beneficial for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment in the office

Various restorative treatments are available for teeth that are damaged or decayed, ranging from common fillings to more intricate procedures like crowns. For worn enamel, home remedies might be effective, but in-office treatments are also an option. We’ll explore all the possibilities with you, and you’ll have the final decision.

Personalized Advice

There are numerous possible reasons for tooth sensitivity, as you may have noticed. After a thorough dental examination, your dentist can pinpoint the specific cause for you. We will provide personalized advice and techniques to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chuck out your toothbrush and pick up one with soft bristles. Brush twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste and take care to gently clean along the gumline. Floss and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice especially before bed. If you catch yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try practicing mindfulness or other relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. To stop sensitive teeth pain for good, you will have to see the dentist so we can determine the underlying cause once and for all.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene game at home can stop tooth sensitivity. When kept clean enough to prevent more erosion and decay, your enamel can actually heal. This process is helped tremendously with fluoride treatment. Fair warning though, dental pain is a natural indicator that something is wrong and it needs to be investigated. If your enamel has become so damaged or decayed that the dentin has become exposed you may be at risk of an infection or abscess.
Indirectly, stress can lead to tooth sensitivity. People who feel extra stressed out often neglect their routine oral care, indulge in sweet or acidic treats, or smoke more. Stress can also cause you to grind or clench your teeth. Sometimes people grind and clench while they’re asleep without even realizing it!
Acids wear down the enamel. Sweet and starchy foods feed the bacteria in your mouth which produces an acidic byproduct that wears down enamel. Hard foods can also wear away your enamel or risk damaging a tooth.
  • Acidic foods: Coffee, wine and other alcohols, fruit juice and fruits (especially citrus!), soda pop, tomatoes, pickles and vinegar.
  • Sweet foods: chocolate, jams and jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream and an extra special second mention for juice and soda!
  • Simple starches: donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers and cookies.
  • Hard foods: chewing on ice, chewing hard candies, chewing foods that may contain a pit or hard kernel such as popcorn, cherries and olives.
  • This doesn’t mean you need to avoid all these foods. Simply practice moderation and routinely clean your teeth, especially before bed.
Remember, you want low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks and meals. High fibre foods are excellent for your teeth and so is dairy because it promotes saliva production. Try to eat a nutritious, varied diet with plenty of protein and calcium. Here are some of the foods you can enjoy:
  • Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
  • Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices. Cheese.
  • Supper: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of veggies.
  • Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta and berries, apple sauce.

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