Ghasaq Al-Bakkal, DMD, provides preventive oral health care at the Belmont Dental (Belmontdentalclinic.ca) Clinic in London, Ontario. An active member of the American and Ontario dental associations, Dr. Ghasaq Al-Bakkal addresses common oral health ailments, including sensitive teeth.
People with tooth sensitivity may experience pain when consuming substances that are hot or cold. It may also hurt to chew, brush, or floss. This condition is caused by the breakdown of the teeth's two outer layers, enamel and cementum. The innermost layer of the tooth, dentin, is porous and filled with nerves. Heat and cold can penetrate the dentin and cause discomfort. Sensitivity can also occur due to gum loss, cavities, or other oral injuries.
Since oral hygiene practices are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, changing oral care habits and techniques can often alleviate symptoms and reverse the damage. For example, switching to a desensitizing toothpaste with fluoride can help strengthen the tooth’s outer layers. Using a soft-bristle brush can also prevent enamel loss from hard brushing. More severe cases may need dental interventions to treat. For example, cavities and cracks may require sealing, while advanced gum disease may require a gum graft or other treatment.
People with tooth sensitivity may experience pain when consuming substances that are hot or cold. It may also hurt to chew, brush, or floss. This condition is caused by the breakdown of the teeth's two outer layers, enamel and cementum. The innermost layer of the tooth, dentin, is porous and filled with nerves. Heat and cold can penetrate the dentin and cause discomfort. Sensitivity can also occur due to gum loss, cavities, or other oral injuries.
Since oral hygiene practices are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, changing oral care habits and techniques can often alleviate symptoms and reverse the damage. For example, switching to a desensitizing toothpaste with fluoride can help strengthen the tooth’s outer layers. Using a soft-bristle brush can also prevent enamel loss from hard brushing. More severe cases may need dental interventions to treat. For example, cavities and cracks may require sealing, while advanced gum disease may require a gum graft or other treatment.