Does it hurt when you have something cold or sweet?  Is brushing your teeth a painful experience?

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of reasons:

• Tooth decay
• Broken teeth/ fillings
• Gum problems
• Worn tooth enamel
• exposed tooth root

A healthy tooth has a layer of enamel that protects your tooth above the gum line.  Enamel itself does not have feeling and is fairly strong, however below the enamel layer is  softer layer called dentine.  This layer of the tooth absolutely does have feeling.  When dentine is exposed, either through the means of decay, a broken tooth or worn tooth enamel, your tooth will in turn become very sensitive.  Dentine can also be exposed when the gum recedes-  this type of sensitivity is called hypersensitivity.

Don’t worry sensitive teeth can be treated. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem, depending on what is causing your sensitive teeth/ tooth.  Your dentist can determine this through a few tests in order to devise the best possible treatment.

Topical fluoride gel helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and will reduce the transmission of sensitivity.  This is done in the surgery generally during a check up appointment.  Placing a filling will generally fix the sensitivity problem in a broken tooth or a tooth that has decay in it.  But sometimes if the sensitivity persists, root canal treatment and a crown may be required.

Visit your John Street Dentist for more information and treatment options.

32844281 ~ 32846810

Book on-line: online booking link