DENTEGO • SENSITIVE TEETH CARE
Tooth Sensitivity
Treatment
Do cold drinks, hot beverages, sweets or even brushing cause a sudden sharp sensation in your teeth? Tooth sensitivity can have several causes, and identifying the reason is important before selecting treatment.
UNDERSTANDING SENSITIVE TEETH
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp sensation that may occur when a tooth is exposed to certain triggers such as cold, heat, sweet foods, acidic foods or physical contact.
Sensitivity can occur when the protective outer covering of a tooth is reduced or when part of the tooth root becomes exposed.
However, similar symptoms can also occur with dental decay, cracks, defective restorations or problems involving the dental pulp. For this reason, persistent sensitivity should be properly evaluated.
COMMON TRIGGERS
What Can Trigger Sensitive Teeth?
Cold Foods & Drinks
Cold water, chilled beverages and ice cream may produce a sudden sharp sensation.
Hot Foods & Drinks
Some sensitive teeth may react to hot tea, coffee or other warm foods and beverages.
Sweet Foods
Sweet foods or drinks may occasionally trigger discomfort in sensitive or damaged teeth.
Acidic Foods
Frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks may contribute to loss of protective tooth structure.
Brushing
Sensitive exposed areas may sometimes feel uncomfortable during brushing.
Cold Air
Breathing cold air through the mouth can sometimes trigger sensitivity in affected teeth.
FINDING THE CAUSE
Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is a symptom rather than a single dental condition. Different problems can produce similar sensations.
Gum Recession
Receding gums may expose part of the tooth root, which can be more sensitive than the enamel-covered crown of the tooth.
Tooth Wear
Wear from mechanical or chemical factors may reduce the protective outer tooth structure.
Cervical Abrasion
Loss of tooth structure around the neck of the tooth may expose sensitive underlying dentine.
Dental Decay
A cavity may cause sensitivity and should be distinguished from uncomplicated dentine sensitivity.
Cracked Tooth
A crack or fracture can sometimes cause sensitivity, particularly during temperature changes or chewing.
Existing Restorations
A damaged, worn or defective restoration may sometimes contribute to tooth sensitivity.
CAREFUL ASSESSMENT
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Evaluated?
Discuss Your Symptoms
The location, duration and triggers of the sensitivity help identify possible causes.
Clinical Examination
The teeth, gums, exposed root surfaces, existing restorations and areas of tooth wear are examined.
Tooth Assessment
Appropriate tests may be used to help identify the affected tooth and assess the condition of the dental pulp.
Dental Imaging
Dental X-rays may be recommended when decay, deeper tooth problems or other conditions need to be investigated.
Treatment Planning
Treatment is selected according to the underlying cause rather than treating the symptom alone.
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT
How Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated?
The appropriate treatment depends on why the tooth is sensitive. Not every sensitive tooth requires the same procedure.
Desensitising Toothpaste
A suitable desensitising toothpaste may help reduce symptoms associated with exposed sensitive dentine.
Fluoride Treatment
Professionally recommended fluoride products may be useful in selected cases.
Dental Restoration
Areas of lost tooth structure, decay or selected cervical defects may require a restorative procedure.
Gum-Related Care
Where sensitivity is associated with gum recession, appropriate periodontal assessment and management may be considered.
Repairing a Damaged Tooth
Cracks, defective restorations or other tooth damage may require specific restorative treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment may be considered when symptoms are related to irreversible disease of the dental pulp and the tooth is suitable for preservation.
NOT ALL SENSITIVITY IS THE SAME
Sensitive Tooth or Toothache?
A brief sharp sensation that stops after the trigger is removed can have different implications from pain that continues, occurs spontaneously or becomes increasingly severe.
Persistent pain, spontaneous pain, pain when biting, swelling or prolonged sensitivity should be evaluated to determine whether another dental problem is present.
Persistent Pain Needs Assessment
Sensitivity should not automatically be assumed to be harmless. Examination can help distinguish exposed dentine from decay, cracks, pulp problems and other dental conditions.
PROTECTING SENSITIVE TEETH
Daily Care for Sensitive Teeth
Brush Gently
Use an appropriate toothbrush and avoid unnecessarily aggressive brushing.
Use Suitable Toothpaste
A desensitising toothpaste may be recommended depending on the cause of sensitivity.
Protect Tooth Structure
Appropriate oral hygiene and dietary habits can help reduce avoidable damage to tooth surfaces.
Attend Dental Reviews
Regular examination helps identify dental problems that may otherwise be mistaken for simple sensitivity.
IDENTIFY • TREAT • PROTECT
Are Sensitive Teeth Affecting Your Daily Life?
Book an assessment at DenteGo in Central Kolkata to identify the possible cause of your tooth sensitivity and discuss treatment appropriate for your individual dental condition.
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