Ouch! That First Sip of Coffee…
Ever taken a sip of your morning coffee or a bite of ice cream and felt that sudden, sharp pain in your teeth?
You’re not alone!
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that affects millions of Aussies, making everyday activities like eating and drinking a real challenge.
The good news?
It’s completely manageable—with the right approach, you can ease the discomfort and prevent it from coming back.
Let’s dive into what’s causing your sensitive teeth and, more importantly, how you can fix it.
What’s Causing Your Sensitive Teeth?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand what’s making your teeth so sensitive in the first place. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Enamel Wear and Tear
Your enamel is the hard, protective layer on the outside of your teeth. Over time, acidic foods, aggressive brushing, and grinding your teeth (bruxism) can wear them down, exposing the sensitive layer underneath called dentin. This can result in sore sensitive teeth that react painfully to hot, cold, or sweet foods. And once your enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back!
2. Gum Disease and Recession
Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth, which don’t have the same protective enamel covering. This can lead to sharp, sudden sensitivity when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. Poor oral hygiene, gum infections, and even rough brushing can contribute to gum recession, leading to sore and sensitive teeth.
3. Tooth Decay and Cavities
Cavities create tiny holes in your teeth, allowing temperature changes and certain foods to trigger pain. If left untreated, decay can progress to the nerve inside your tooth, making things even worse and leaving your teeth feeling sore and sensitive.
4. Recent Dental Treatments
Ever noticed your teeth feel extra sensitive after a whitening treatment, filling, or even a deep cleaning at the dentist? This is completely normal and usually temporary, but if it doesn’t go away, you may need to check back with your dentist.
How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately
Now that we know the root cause, let’s explore how to fix it. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through it!
1. Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Treatments
Not all cases of sensitivity require a trip to the dentist but knowing when to get professional help can save you a lot of pain down the road.
- Mild Sensitivity: Try using desensitising toothpaste (like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive) and switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Moderate to Severe Sensitivity: If your teeth are constantly aching, it’s time to see your dentist. You might need a fluoride treatment or dental bonding to protect exposed areas.
2. Desensitising Toothpaste and Fluoride Applications
- Specially formulated sensitivity toothpaste works by blocking pain signals from reaching the nerves in your teeth. It may take a couple of weeks to notice a difference, so be patient!
- Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Your dentist can apply a concentrated fluoride gel or varnish to give your teeth an extra layer of protection.
3. Dental Procedures for Severe Cases
If your sensitivity is caused by severe enamel erosion, gum recession, or decay, your dentist might recommend:
- Fillings or Bonding: To cover exposed dentin or treat cavities.
- Gum Grafts: If gum recession is the cause, a minor surgical procedure can help restore gum tissue.
- Root Canal Therapy: In extreme cases where decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be the only way to stop the pain for good.
How to Cure Sensitive Teeth for Good
Once you’ve managed to ease your tooth sensitivity, the next step is making sure it doesn’t come back. Here’s how:
1. Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gentle, circular motions—no need to scrub like you’re cleaning a BBQ grill!
- Switch to a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
- Don’t forget to floss daily to prevent gum disease and decay.
2. Adjusting Your Diet to Protect Enamel
- Cut back on acidic foods and drinks like citrus, soft drinks, and wine.
- Flush away acids by drinking plenty of water.
- If you eat something acidic, rinse your mouth with water before brushing.
3. The Role of Regular Dental Visits
A check-up every six months can help catch early signs of enamel erosion, gum disease, and decay before they become painful problems. Plus, your dentist can give you personalised advice on the best way to protect your teeth.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs!
Tooth sensitivity is more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign that something’s not quite right with your teeth or gums. The sooner you take action, the better! Start with simple fixes like changing your toothpaste and brushing habits, but don’t hesitate to see a dentist if the problem persists.
Looking for expert advice? Book an appointment with Richmond & Springvale Dental Group today, and let’s get your smile back to being pain-free!
