Dealing with sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable, but switching to the right toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to find relief. At North Down Dental, our goal is to support patients in achieving a healthier, more comfortable smile. Here’s how the right toothpaste can make all the difference.
In most cases, teeth sensitivity occurs due to the wearing down or loss of enamel on the teeth. This means the softer layer underneath the enamel is more exposed, which produces sensitivity. Gum recession can also lead to sensitivity as more of the tooth root is exposed.
There are a wide variety of causes when it comes to sensitive teeth. Sensitivity can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
If this is the case, some easy lifestyle and dental hygiene changes could completely eliminate your tooth sensitivity. It’s also worth remembering that whitening treatments are safest when carried out by a dental professional, as they can make sure the process is done properly and without causing unnecessary sensitivity. If you’re thinking about brightening your smile, a quick chat with the team at North Down Dental can help you choose the safest and most effective option.
In other cases, the causes of sensitive teeth are more serious, such as:
If after examining you, we find that any one of these is the cause of your tooth sensitivity, then we’ll be able to recommend further treatment.
The symptoms of sensitivity feel a little different for every patient and will depend on how severe the sensitivity is. For some patients, it might feel like mild discomfort, while others might be experiencing shooting pain that feels very sharp. Sensitivity can be triggered by hot and cold drinks, eating or drinking anything particularly sweet or acidic, breathing in particularly cold air, brushing or flossing your teeth, and chewing.
There are some easy diet and lifestyle changes that can help treat and manage sensitive teeth on a daily basis. You should try to avoid the food and drinks that trigger your sensitivity, and brush your teeth with lukewarm rather than cold water. We also might recommend brushing with a soft-headed toothbrush.
Teeth grinding while you sleep (also known as bruxism) can also wear down enamel and contribute to sensitivity, so if you notice signs of grinding, such as jaw pain or flattened teeth, it’s important to mention it to your dentist. One of the main ways you can manage your sensitive teeth is by using a sensitive toothpaste. These toothpastes are specifically designed for sensitive teeth and can help produce long-lasting results and relief for anyone with sensitive teeth by blocking the pain that spreads to the tooth’s nerve.
Knowing which sensitive toothpaste to use can be difficult, as there are now multiple options available at the pharmacy or in the supermarket. At North Down Dental, we recommend:
Sensodyne: A leader in sensitivity care for over 60 years.
They have a variety of different formulations available, but all focus on long-term prevention of sensitivity while also protecting the teeth from tooth decay and providing fresh breath.
If your sensitivity can’t be managed through sensitive toothpaste and other lifestyle changes alone, then our team at North Down Dental will be able to offer a few options for treatment. These include fluoride products such as a gel or varnish to use on the teeth, which can help protect the enamel from further damage and deterioration. If your sensitivity is caused by the root of the tooth being exposed, we will suggest treatment for this such as dental bonding which can help cover it up and protect it. If recessive gums are an issue, then we may well recommend a gum graft to reduce sensitivity by covering over any exposed roots.
If you’re worried about sensitive teeth or would like to know more about any of the issues, treatments or products mentioned in this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact us at North Down Dental today.
