Brampton Dentistry’s Top 7 Procedures for Sensitive Teeth Care

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel layer on your teeth wears down, or your gums recede, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny channels (called tubules) that lead directly to the nerve at the center of your tooth. When these channels are exposed, consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods can result in pain or discomfort.
Various factors can lead to tooth sensitivity, including brushing aggressively, gum recession, cracked teeth, or teeth grinding. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode enamel, while gum disease or genetics may cause gums to recede, exposing tooth roots. Grinding or cracking teeth can damage the enamel and expose the sensitive dentin beneath.
Let’s explore five ways our Brampton dentistry can provide effective solutions for tooth sensitivity.

Brampton Dentistry: 7 Sensitive Teeth Care Procedures for Long-Lasting Relief

Here are seven ways to treat sensitive teeth:

Root Canal

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, happens when the nerves within the teeth are exposed, resulting in discomfort.
An endodontist performs a root canal procedure, which removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent further issues. After the procedure, sensitivity is usually resolved, allowing you to eat and drink comfortably again. Regular dental care can help minimize sensitivity and reduce the likelihood of needing further root canal treatments.

Mouth Guards

Bruxism is a condition when people unconsciously grind, clench, or gnash their teeth, either during sleep or while awake. This habit often leads to tooth sensitivity.
While wearing a mouth guard might initially seem uncomfortable, it can effectively protect against bruxism. A night guard can also help alleviate sensitivity by shielding teeth from grinding or clenching. For individuals experiencing both bruxism and tooth sensitivity, a custom-fitted night guard from a Brampton dentistry like ours may provide a beneficial solution.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a procedure used to address receding gums, which pull away from the teeth to reveal the roots. Exposed roots increase the likelihood of tooth decay, sensitivity, and bone loss.
Exposed roots often cause significant discomfort, though not all cases are painful. For those experiencing sensitivity, gum grafting can help significantly reduce or even eliminate the issue. This procedure regenerates lost gum tissue and restores it to a healthier, fuller shape, protecting the exposed roots from further damage and irritation.

Desensitising Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpastes are designed to help sensitive teeth. They contain special ingredients, such as potassium nitrate, fluoride, and strontium chloride, which block exposed nerve endings and prevent the nerves from triggering. Over time, these toothpastes also help strengthen enamel, making teeth less sensitive.
If you have regular sensitivity, your dentist can recommend the best toothpaste to help ease your discomfort.

Fluoride Varnish

When you have sensitive teeth, fluoride treatments can offer relief. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. Every time we eat or drink, especially acidic or sugary foods, our teeth lose minerals, leading to enamel erosion. As the enamel wears down, it exposes the nerves, causing that sharp, sensitive feeling in your teeth.
To manage tooth sensitivity, your enamel needs to be rebuilt and protected. Fluoride helps by reversing the demineralization process and reinforcing the enamel’s strength. You can increase your fluoride intake naturally or go to a dentistry in Brampton like Dentistry on Dusk for professional fluoride treatments like gels, foams, varnishes, or mouthwash.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an effective solution for sensitive teeth. A composite resin is applied to protect the damaged area, causing sensitivity. This resin is carefully moulded and then hardened using a specialized light, creating a durable bond for long-term protection. Dental bonding often treats issues like chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth and weakened enamel, contributing to increased sensitivity.
However, a root canal may be necessary for more severe issues like cavities. If gum erosion is the underlying cause of sensitivity, alternative treatments like a gum graft are recommended to restore gum health and reduce discomfort.

Proper Brushing

To effectively brush sensitive teeth, use a soft-bristled, non-abrasive toothpaste designed for sensitivity. Start by holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Gently brush in small, circular motions, ensuring you cover all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage enamel and irritate gums, worsening sensitivity. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day.
Pay extra attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and follow up with a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen enamel. Regular gentle brushing can reduce sensitivity and protect your teeth and gums.

There are many effective treatments for tooth sensitivity, from fluoride varnishes and desensitizing toothpaste to more advanced solutions like dental bonding, root canals, and gum grafting. With proper care and guidance from your dentist, you can manage and even eliminate discomfort caused by sensitive teeth. By following recommended brushing techniques and using protective tools like mouthguards, patients can maintain healthy, pain-free smiles with the expertise of a renowned Brampton dentistry like Dentistry on Dusk.

This entry was posted in Dentistry on Dusk on September 26, 2024.