Gentle and caring teeth & gum health maintenance.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. This occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, thus, reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. Tooth sensitivity affects up to 57% of the population.

If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, including:
Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively
Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages
Tooth erosion due to bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. If you brush your teeth incorrectly, or over-brush, your gums may become sensitive. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine.

Brushing properly twice daily for 2 minutes with toothpaste that does not have high levels of abrasives, and flossing once a day, can help reduce the chance of tooth sensitivity. A diet low in acidic foods and drinks also helps prevent tooth sensitivity.

In addition to recommending toothpaste without high levels of abrasives, your dentist may prescribe an at-home, brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse, or high fluoride level toothpaste specially formulated to make your teeth less sensitive and provide extra protection against decay. Other treatments — such as fluoride varnishes — can be painted onto the teeth to provide added protection.

There are several conditions which can cause pain, but which are not tooth sensitivity:
Dental caries
A cracked or chipped tooth
Grinding or clenching the teeth
Leakage around restorations
External tooth bleaching

Location – CBD Practice

TEETH HEALTH LIFE
4th Floor, 175 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia, 3000

For directions on the simplest route to Teeth Health Life, please visit our Clinic Location page.

Location – Surrey Hills Practice

SURREY DENTAL
Unit 2, 109 Union Road,
Surrey Hills, Victoria
Australia, 3127

For directions to our Surrey Hills Practice, please visit the Surrey Dental website.