What are the main causes of sensitive teeth?
In most cases, sensitive teeth arise when receding gum tissue or tooth wear exposes the underlying dentine. When dentine is exposed to hot, cold, or sweet substances, you experience tooth sensitivity. Although sensitive teeth can be a problem for people of varying ages, it is more common among those between 20 and 40 years old.
The main causes of sensitive teeth include:
- Gum disease
- Gum recession
- Cracked teeth
- Incorrect brushing technique
- Teeth grinding
- General ageing
- Whitening products
- Acidic or abrasive diet
What are the treatment options for sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity can be diagnosed by a dentist during a regular check-up. During this assessment, we will check for exposed roots using a metal probe and gentle air stimuli.
Treatment for sensitive teeth will largely depend on the cause and extent of the issue. There are a number of courses of action that can be taken to prevent the problem from worsening. These include:
- Using a desensitising gel to relieve the painful symptoms.
- Using a fluoride rinse or gel for one to two weeks to desensitise the tooth.
- Using white fillings to cover the dentine layer.
- Using minimally invasive dental procedures such as AquaCare to block the exposed dentinal tubules with very fine aluminium oxide particles.
