Wednesday 30 January 2013


Tooth Sensitivity

One common issue patients often raise with their dentist is tooth sensitivity. Many experience it without knowing what causes it. In today’s post we’d like to look at that question.


Often, tooth sensitivity occurs when the gums have receded, leaving the dentine over tooth roots exposed. Tubules in the dentine lead down to the tooth’s nerve. These let stimuli like hot and cold reach the nerve, causing a shock of sensation.

Gum recession is spurred by a variety of factors, including:

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is the primary cause of gum recession. What’s more, recently gum disease has been linked to a variety of health issues such as heart disease. Gum disease can be prevented and if already present, halted by regular visits to a hygienist at your dentist and good oral care at home.

Brushing Technique

How you brush your teeth can impact your oral health. When you brush aggressively using a hard-bristled toothbrush, you aren’t doing your smile any favours. This kind of brushing can harm your gums and your teeth alike. Brush thoroughly but gently using a small head soft toothbrush, taking care to brush the join between the gums and the teeth by brushing at a 45 degree angle to the teeth. For further advice and a free toothbrushing session with our Oral Health Educator, Dawn call us now on 01282 415104.

Teeth grinding/Cracked Teeth

Also known as Bruxism, teeth grinding is a common sign of stress. Over time, grinding will damage teeth, possibly to the point that teeth become cracked. When teeth are cracked, bacteria can gain access to a tooth’s pulp, causing sensitivity. Grinding can easily be prevented with a soft nightguard.

Age

It is not uncommon for adult patients to experience sensitivity, sometimes just by changing brushing habits and the oral hygiene products you use is all it takes to reduce tooth sensitivity. You don’t have to live with the discomfort, long term solutions are possible>

Call us now for a chat or a free consultation on 01282 415104

Some of the information from this article was taken from bestdentistnews.com and adapted with British information