It?s a dental condition that affects many Australians?
Do you wince when drinking an iced drink, eat a hot chip or brush your teeth? You may be suffering from overly sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can affect anyone and can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Eroded tooth enamel
- Worn fillings
- Exposed tooth roots
- Gum withdrawal
- Periodontal disease
Found most commonly in young adults and those who use over-the-counter tooth whitening products.
The low-down on sensitive teeth?
Our tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, and when this erodes (whether from tooth decay, abrasive brushing or consumption of acidic food/drink) the porous dentin is exposed, and through these tiny pores temperature changes within the mouth are fed through the dentin and stimulate the nerves and cells at the core of your tooth.
This is why it is so important to maintain the health and integrity of your teeth by brushing and flossing them properly every day.
Why over-the-counter tooth whitening may be to blame?
As previously stated, many sensitive teeth cases are caused by the use of cheap, over-the-counter teeth whitening products. You certainly get what you pay for, as some of these whitening products are actually harmful to your oral health, and can contain chemicals that are harsh on your teeth and gums. This is why we ask our patients to refrain from giving in to the temptation of cheap over-the-counter products that will actually do more harm than good.
At home tooth whitening products should be recommended by your dentist and you will always be given a strict set of instructions to follow so your mouth is never at risk at any point during your whitening process.
Dentists are trained to treat tooth discolouration effectively?
At Image Dental in Perth our skilled and knowledgeable dentists are trained in conducting safe and effective tooth whitening treatments. They have been specially schooled in diagnosing the source of your tooth discolouration so we can provide you with the most effective teeth whitening treatment possible.
Treating sensitive teeth?
While there is no set treatment for helping patients be relieved of sensitive teeth, we can help clarify why your teeth have become sensitive and work with you to discover a treatment that will offer you the best outcome. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, the solution may be as easy as buying a desensitising toothpaste designed specifically to aid sensitive teeth.
If this is ineffective we may recommend other treatments to solve your sensitivity such as dental crowns, fillings or dental bonding to protect the integrity of your tooth and clear out any tooth decay that may be present.
Keep a good oral health routine to ensure your smile stays strong?
At Image Dental in Applecross we want your smile to be as healthy as possible, and it is our goal to help you keep your smile for life. You can help us achieve this by maintaining an optimal oral health routine that should include:
- Brushing twice daily ? Do NOT use a toothbrush with hard bristles and do NOT brush your teeth too rigorously. This can cause abrasion and erode your tooth enamel, which can result in sensitive teeth.
- Flossing at least once a day ? Try not to flick the floss up and down, instead smooth it gently between your teeth and make a C shape around each tooth to remove any food debris caught.
To discover more about our dental treatments or to book an appointment at our Perth dental practice, please do not hesitate to contact us.