Does the thought of sinking your teeth into a spoonful of ice cream make you wince? Is sipping a cup of hot coffee a painful experience? You are not alone. One in seven adults experiences tooth hypersensitivity when they eat, drink or even take a breath of cold air. Fortunately, dentistry can offer simple and effective treatments for this uncomfortable condition.

The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is the exposure nerve endings on exposed root surfaces when gums recede. Acidic foods / beverages, gum infections and improper aggressive tooth-brushing technique are common causative factors. Here are some simple ways to reduce tooth sensitivity:

Normal tooth sensitivity doesn't linger more than a few seconds to a minute or so after a stimulus has been applied. If you have prolonged tooth pain, then a consultation appointment should be made to rule out other causes.
Desensitizing toothpaste works well over time. If the sensitivity is localized to only one area, then place a small amount of the toothpaste on your finger and apply it directly to the sensitive area. Full strength desensitizing toothpaste can relieve the sensitivity fairly quickly.
Watch your diet. Try not to finish with acidic foods or drinks. Even finishing a meal or snack with water will help dilute the acids.

If the “at home” remedies do not ease your discomfort, we may suggest in-office techniques:

A fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel or other barriers that reduce the transmission of painful sensations, may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding which is the most common cause of tooth sensitivity. If you brush your teeth incorrectly, or even over-brush, gum and root problems can result. Another, less common cause is the loss of enamel (the outer coating of your teeth). Ask us if you have any questions about how to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

If you have persistent sensitive teeth, please give our office a call at 416-922-6848 to discuss your options and put an end to this problem.

As always, we appreciate you choosing Museum Dental as your dental care provider.