Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Leduc
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin—the layer beneath your enamel—becomes exposed. This can lead to pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. The enamel acts as a protective barrier, and once it’s worn down or compromised, stimuli can reach the nerve, triggering sharp, sudden sensations.
Common Causes of Enamel Erosion & Sensitivity:
- Frequently consuming acidic foods or drinks (especially before bed)
- Skipping regular brushing and flossing routines
- Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush
- Using at-home dental tools without proper training
- Conditions like acid reflux or bulimia exposing teeth to stomach acid
- Gum disease or gum recession
- Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth
- Untreated cavities or decay
- Smoking or using cannabis, tobacco, or vaping products
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
How To Treat Sensitive Teeth In Leduc
Identify the Root Cause
In-Office Treatments
Depending on the cause, we may recommend:
- Tooth-colored fillings for cavities
- Fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel
- Desensitizing agents or bonding
- Crowns for extensive damage
We’ll explain all your options and guide you through each step so you can make an informed decision.
Personalized Home Care Advice
Contact us today
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you stop sensitive teeth pain?
Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste. Be gentle when cleaning along the gumline. Floss regularly and use a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try practising mindfulness or other relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. To eliminate sensitive teeth pain for good, you’ll need to see the dentist so we can identify the underlying cause.
Can a sensitive tooth heal itself?
Improving your at-home dental care can reduce tooth sensitivity by preventing further enamel erosion and decay, with fluoride treatments aiding the healing process. However, dental pain signals an issue that needs investigation. If the dentin is exposed due to severe enamel damage, there may be a risk of infection or abscess.
Can stress cause tooth sensitivity?
Which foods cause sensitivity?
Acidic foods wear down enamel, while sweet and starchy foods feed bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acidic byproducts that damage enamel. Hard foods can also erode enamel or risk damaging a tooth.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, alcohol, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, and particularly juice and soda.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cakes, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or hard kernels, such as popcorn, cherries, and olives.
You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but it’s best to consume them in moderation. Pairing them with good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing, particularly before bed, can help minimize their impact on your teeth.
What foods are good for tooth sensitivity?
To help reduce sensitivity, aim for low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks, and meals. High-fibre foods and dairy are great for your teeth as they promote saliva production. A nutritious, balanced diet rich in protein and calcium is ideal. Here are some foods that can benefit your teeth:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of veggies.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta and berries, applesauce.