Say goodbye to sharp pains with our sensitivity treatments
When tooth enamel wears away—typically over years or even decades—it exposes the soft, inner part of your tooth called dentin. This dentin houses thousands of microscopic channels that run toward the centre of the tooth, where the nerves live.
Certain triggers, like popsicles or hot tea, can travel through these channels and stimulate the nerve, causing a short, sharp pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.
Main Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
1. Enamel Wear
Enamel is the hard, outermost surface of the tooth and is also what makes teeth white. Over time, if tooth enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed, leading to sensitive teeth.
Causes of Enamel Wear
- Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or too frequently.
- Teeth grinding: May cause enamel wear and lead to sensitivity. *Wearing a mouth guard at night can help protect your teeth.
- Acid erosion: Over time, acidic foods and drinks can weaken and erode tooth enamel, which can trigger sensitivity at the gum line.
2. Gum Recession
Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth. If gums recede, dentin becomes exposed, making the tooth nerves vulnerable to triggers, causing sensitivity.
Causes of Gum Recession
⦁ Aggressive brushing
In addition, using a hard-bristled toothbrush can also cause gum recession.
⦁ Gum disease (periodontitis)
Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding of gum tissue.
⦁ Aging
Most middle-aged and older adults have some degree of recession.
*Sensodyne toothpastes may not help with sensitivity caused by teeth grinding
