Dental sensitivity

More than one in three adults experience Sensitive teeth, but YOU do not have to be one of them. While some thinning of the tooth enamel and gum recession are inevitable with age sensitivity is not.

A visit to your dental surgeon will help diagnose the cause of your sensitivity.

A visit to the hygienist may be advised to correct tooth brushing procedures and general oral health care.

There are many good dental products on the market, that may help ease the discomfort of sensitive teeth. We canadvise you on the most suitable one for you.

In more severe cases fissure sealants, glass ionomer, or composite restorations may be recommended.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Dentine contains tiny fluid-filled tubes, or tubules, that connect back to the nerve at the centre of the tooth.

Anything that makes the fluid in the exposed tubules move up or down (eg food or drinks that are too hot/cold/sweet/sour, or even touch or cold air) will excite the nerve and cause pain.

Further problems can develop if the sensitivity becomes too painful for normal tooth cleaning.

Tooth sensitivity can sometimes be caused by erosion. Excessive acid in some foods and drinks dissolve or eat away the enamal surface of the teeth. For more information on this please follow this link: http://arcpoh.adelaide.edu.au/dperu/special/erosion/erosionph.pdf