WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
If you’ve ever felt a sharp twinge when enjoying a hot coffee, cold drink, or even when brushing your teeth, you’re not alone.
Tooth sensitivity is very common, and while it can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it’s usually manageable once we understand what’s causing it.
Tooth sensitivity is very common, and while it can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it’s usually manageable once we understand what’s causing it.
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
Inside each tooth is a layer called dentine, which contains tiny channels leading to the nerve.
Normally, this dentine is protected by enamel or gums.
Sensitivity happens when that protection is lost and the nerve is exposed.
Normally, this dentine is protected by enamel or gums.
Sensitivity happens when that protection is lost and the nerve is exposed.
COMMON CAUSES INCLUDE:
🦷 Worn or thinning enamel from brushing too hard or using a very abrasive toothpaste
🦷 Gum recession, which can naturally occur with age or due to gum disease
🦷 Tooth grinding (bruxism), often happening at night without you realising
🦷 Dental decay or cracked teeth, allowing stimuli to reach the nerve
🦷 Recent dental treatments, such as whitening or fillings, which can cause temporary sensitivity
🦷 Acidic foods and drinks like soft drinks, citrus fruits, and wine, which can erode enamel over time
🦷 Worn or thinning enamel from brushing too hard or using a very abrasive toothpaste
🦷 Gum recession, which can naturally occur with age or due to gum disease
🦷 Tooth grinding (bruxism), often happening at night without you realising
🦷 Dental decay or cracked teeth, allowing stimuli to reach the nerve
🦷 Recent dental treatments, such as whitening or fillings, which can cause temporary sensitivity
🦷 Acidic foods and drinks like soft drinks, citrus fruits, and wine, which can erode enamel over time
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SENSITIVE TEETH?
The first step in managing sensitive teeth is understanding what’s causing the problem.
Using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can help block the signals travelling to the nerve, but it does need to be used consistently for a few weeks to be effective.
Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush is important, as brushing too hard can wear away enamel and irritate the gums.
Try to limit acidic foods and drinks where possible, as these can weaken enamel over time, and if you do enjoy them, rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can help reduce their impact.
It’s also best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after having acidic foods or drinks, as the enamel is softer during this time and more prone to damage.
Using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can help block the signals travelling to the nerve, but it does need to be used consistently for a few weeks to be effective.
Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush is important, as brushing too hard can wear away enamel and irritate the gums.
Try to limit acidic foods and drinks where possible, as these can weaken enamel over time, and if you do enjoy them, rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can help reduce their impact.
It’s also best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after having acidic foods or drinks, as the enamel is softer during this time and more prone to damage.
HOW CAN WE HELP AT CLUBB DENTAL?
If sensitivity persists, it’s important to see your dentist.
At Clubb Dental, we’ll check for underlying issues such as decay, cracks, or gum problems.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
🦷 Professional fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
🦷 Protective dental coatings or sealants
🦷 Treating gum disease or recession
🦷 A night splint if grinding is the issue
At Clubb Dental, we’ll check for underlying issues such as decay, cracks, or gum problems.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
🦷 Professional fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
🦷 Protective dental coatings or sealants
🦷 Treating gum disease or recession
🦷 A night splint if grinding is the issue
WHEN TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Occasional sensitivity can be normal, but ongoing or worsening pain is your teeth telling you something isn’t right.
Early treatment often means a simpler and more comfortable solution.
If sensitive teeth are bothering you, we’d be more than happy to help.
Arrange an appointment at Clubb Dental, and together we’ll get your smile feeling comfortable again.
Early treatment often means a simpler and more comfortable solution.
If sensitive teeth are bothering you, we’d be more than happy to help.
Arrange an appointment at Clubb Dental, and together we’ll get your smile feeling comfortable again.
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