The solutionsfor a beautiful and healthy smile for all ages! Our Philosophy Our goal is to ensure, using the most advanced techniques, that you and your family get to keep all your teeth throughout your life; pain free, with dignity, and with good function and appearance. In this practice the aim of the staff is to provide you with first-class dental care. As in many things, prevention is better than cure. If sound advice regarding preventive dentistry is followed, you will find that the amount of future dental treatment needed is greatly reduced. • Call 9314 5226 for an appointment or a   dental emergency • Open Monday to Saturday by appointment • Click here for Map • Contact us Services Technically advanced cosmetic and general dentistry TOOTH SENSITIVITY Preventing tooth sensitivity: Click here to watch a video What is tooth sensitivity and how do I know if I have it? Tooth sensitivity is pain that you may experience as a result of wearing away of the tooth surface or gum tissue. The most common cause of tooth sensitivity in adults is a result of receding gums which causes the tooth roots to become exposed. The roots are not covered by enamel and therefore the tiny channels which lead to the tooth’s nerve center is exposed. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity it is very important that you consult your dentist as soon as possible because this problem may lead to other oral health issues making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. You may be experiencing tooth sensitivity if you feel a sharp painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating something that is hot or cold. This is a condition that affects one out of four adults, often coming and going throughout their life. When you visit your dentist they will start by enquire about your dental hygiene practices. The dentist will then look for any signs of tooth decay and gum disease following which they will check for exposed roots and use a metal instrument called an explorer to test for tooth sensitivity. What are the causes of tooth sensitivity? • Incorrect brushing of your teeth: brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled    toothbrush can negatively affect your teeth by causing the enamel to wear down    and allowing the dentin to be exposed. It may also cause the gum tissue to recede. • Gum disease: such as gingivitis cause the gum tissue to become inflamed and sore   leading to tooth sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, exposing the root   surface and hence allowing stimuli to reach the nerve of the tooth. • Cracked teeth: chipped or broken teeth can easily become filled with plaque and so   the bacteria may be able to enter and inflame the pulp. • Teeth grinding and clenching: this may wear down the enamel, exposing the   underlying dentin. • Teeth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide: these   products cause tooth sensitivity to varying extents. • Age and gender: tooth sensitivity is highest in women between 25 and 30. • Mouthwash: some over the counter mouthwashes contain acids that can make your   tooth sensitivity worse. • Acidic foods: regular consumption of foods that have a high acid content can cause   enamel erosion. • Dental procedures: Sometimes, tooth sensitivity may be seen following dental   procedures like tooth restoration, root planning and crown placement. This kind of   sensitivity is temporary. What is the treatment plan for tooth sensitivity? Your dentist may use different treatments depending on the cause for your tooth sensitivity: • Desensitizing products to relieve the symptoms. • Fluoride rinse or gel may be placed on the affected teeth regularly with a gap or one   or two weeks between each application. This form of treatment will also help build   up protection around the teeth. • A filling may be put in place around the area where the gum and tooth meet in order   to cover exposed dentine. • You may require a root canal treatment if none of these methods work as the tooth’s   nerve may have been severely damaged. • If the tooth sensitivity is a result of teeth grinding or clenching then your dentist may   provide you with a mouth guard for the night. • If the tooth sensitivity is caused by a new amalgam filling and the symptoms do not   go away after a few weeks your dentist will polish the filling to relieve the   symptoms. How can I prevent tooth sensitivity? There are many means by which you can prevent tooth sensitivity: • Good oral hygiene: brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a   day. • Use a soft bristled toothbrush: this will ensure that there is less abrasion to the   tooth surface and less irritation to the gums. Replace the brush every three months. • Watch your food intake: reduce your intake of highly acid foods like citrus fruits. If   you drink citric fruit juices, use a straw to limit the exposure of the juice to the teeth. • Use fluoridated dental products: daily use of fluoridated mouth rinse may decrease   sensitivity. • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth: if this continues to be a problem you should   ask your dentist about using a mouth guard during the night. • Visit your dentist   regularly: you should be visiting your dentist every six months for   teeth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions and fluoride treatment. Click here to return to Services