Tooth sensitivity is often a sign of an underlying issue and should be addressed by your dentist. If you have sensitive teeth, you will know that the issue can be very uncomfortable. Often triggered by hot and cold foods and drinks, tooth sensitivity can cause some serious pain. But what can you do to get some relief? And can the issue even be treated? Read on to find out more about tooth sensitivity, what causes it, how you can avoid it, and what you can do if you are struggling… What causes sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, refers to pain in the teeth that occurs in response to certain stimuli, such as hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet and acidic foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth and may come and go. Th reality is that some people simply have more sensitive teeth than others because they naturally have thinner enamel. If your enamel has been worn down due to chemical wear, you may suffer from sensitivity. The enamel of the teeth often suffers wear and tear because of certain dietary habits (such as eating and drinking acidic foods and beverages); grinding your teeth; and over-brushing the teeth. Certain oral health issues can also lead to tooth sensitivity over time — these include receding gums which causes areas of the teeth to be unprotected. Receding gums results in the exposure of the root surfaces with no enamel protection later, which can cause tooth decay and fractured or chipped teeth. How can you prevent sensitivity? The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to take good care of your enamel. To do so, you should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also advisable that you avoid foods and drinks that are particularly acidic as these can cause dental erosion over time. If you suspect that you grind your teeth while you sleep, it is important that you discuss the issue with your dentist. The habit can cause serious damage to your enamel and exacerbate any tooth sensitivity that you feel. What are the treatment options? If you are in pain, it is always advisable that you see your dentist as soon as possible. They will examine your teeth and determine the cause of the issue. If they identify an oral health issue, such as gum disease, a broken tooth, or a cracked filling that might be causing your discomfort, they will recommend a treatment to resolve the problem. The good news is that there are a few ways in which tooth sensitivity can be alleviated if you have thin enamel. Your dentist may recommend that you use a toothpaste that has been especially formulated for sensitive teeth, or that you have a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. Other options include having fillings placed over any exposed roots; or getting sealants placed on the affected teeth. It is also important that you stick to good oral hygiene habits even if your teeth are feeling uncomfortable. Maintain your oral health by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and being mindful of your diet. Be sure to see your dentist every six months for a routine check-up so that any issues can be dealt with as early as possible. How can we help? At Hyde Park Dental Care, we love to help our patients maintain their oral health and overall sense of wellbeing. If you are suffering from pain and discomfort because of tooth sensitivity, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can get to the bottom of the problem and help to provide you with some relief. We offer the full scope of dental treatments, including general, restorative, cosmetic, preventative, children’s and emergency dentistry. To see all of the treatments that we provide at Hyde Park Dental Care, please have a look here. To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on 02 9267 9526. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.