Royal Crest Dentistry - Markham

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Markham

Tooth discomfort triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods can be effectively treated both in-office and with at-home solutions.
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The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

To put it simply, tooth pain occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Your teeth are typically protected by a hard layer of enamel, with a softer layer beneath it called dentin, and the tooth’s core (the pulp) containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When enamel wears down or is damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve loses its protection. Tooth sensitivity is usually the result of various habits or conditions that erode or damage the enamel.

The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:

  • Consuming acidic foods and drinks, particularly before bedtime
  • Neglecting regular oral hygiene, including flossing
  • Brushing too forcefully or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • Attempting to use professional dental tools without proper training
  • Health conditions, such as bulimia or acid reflux, that expose teeth to stomach acids
  • Ignoring gum disease or experiencing gum recession
  • Cracked, broken, or weakened teeth
  • Untreated cavities, especially those left to progress
  • Using tobacco, cannabis, or vaping products
  • Habitual teeth grinding or jaw clenching
  • Overuse of certain teeth whitening products

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity or pain, the most important thing to do is see your dentist. A professional evaluation will help rule out other potential causes and pinpoint whether damage, decay, or another issue is responsible for your discomfort. Once a proper diagnosis is made, you’ll have a clear treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can confidently move forward. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:

Figure out the underlying cause

We’ll take a careful, no-assumptions approach to determine what’s causing your sensitivity. During your exam, you’ll be asked to share details about the discomfort, such as its frequency and triggers. New X-rays may be needed, and the dentist will thoroughly check your teeth and gums. To get a clearer diagnosis, we might also perform additional tests like the tap test or cold test.

Treatment in the office

For damaged or decayed teeth, treatments range from fillings to crowns. Enamel wear can often be managed at home, but in-office options may also be available. We’ll review your choices, and you’ll make the final decision.

Personalized advice

As you’ve learned, tooth sensitivity can have many causes. After your dental exam, your dentist will help pinpoint the exact issue. We’ll provide personalized tips and recommendations to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future decay.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

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.

Royal Crest Dentistry - Markham

Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award

Dr. Alwash is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Markham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste, focusing on the gumline. Floss daily and use a fluoride mouthwash. Limit acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, try relaxation techniques to relieve jaw tension. For lasting relief, visit the dentist to identify and address the root cause of your sensitivity.

In some cases, better oral hygiene can help stop tooth sensitivity and even allow your enamel to remineralize, especially with the aid of fluoride treatments. However, dental pain is a warning sign that something isn’t right and should be investigated. If the enamel is severely damaged or decayed, exposing the dentin, there may be a risk of infection or abscess. It’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.

While stress doesn’t directly cause tooth sensitivity, it can contribute to it in several ways. Stress often leads to neglected oral care, increased consumption of sugary or acidic foods, and more smoking. It can also cause teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes happening unconsciously while you sleep, which can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity.

Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel, while sweet and starchy foods fuel bacteria in your mouth, which then produces acid that weakens enamel. Hard foods can also contribute to enamel wear or even cause damage to your teeth.

  • Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, alcoholic drinks, fruit juices (especially citrus), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
  • Sugary foods: Chocolate, jams, caramel, sugary snacks, hard candies, ice cream, and, of course, juice and soda.
  • Starchy foods: Donuts, cakes, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
  • Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or hard kernels like popcorn, cherries, and olives.

While you don’t need to eliminate these foods entirely, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene, particularly before bed, to help protect your teeth.

For better tooth health, focus on low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks. High-fiber options are great for your teeth, and dairy products help stimulate saliva production. A balanced, nutritious diet rich in protein and calcium can also support tooth health. Here are some tooth-friendly foods you can enjoy:

  • Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea
  • Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese
  • Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of vegetables
  • Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta cheese with berries, applesauce

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