Who doesn’t have wonderful childhood memories of licking into an exquisite ice cream cone? What a rude awakening when we attempt to relive those memories in our adulthood, only to be met with a painful chill in your teeth as you bite in. What is happening to you? Why do very cold items cause so much pain? Let’s dive into it a bit!
Tooth sensitivity can stem from any number of causes. It could be weakened enamel, cracks or fractures of the tooth, or exposure of the roots. It could also stem from a failure of a previously executed dental procedure like a filling or a crown. Receding gums or gum disease can also cause sensitivity in your teeth. Brushing too aggressively could be causing it, or using a tooth whitening toothpaste. Even stress causing clenching can be the root of tooth sensitivity. The causes are almost endless, and it’s resulted in a sharp spike in the cases of tooth sensitivity.
So, what can we do about it? Our qualified, professional staff at Guelph Line Dental will first conduct a thorough examination including x-rays to find the root cause of the sensitivity. Once the cause is narrowed down, the treatment will be suggested. Treatment may include:
- Weaning off of acidic foods or drinks
- Cutting back on stimulants.
- Working on stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy.
- Treating any gum infection present.
- Prescribing of special over-the-counter mouthwashes and toothpastes.
The most important message is that as soon as you feel increased sensitivity in your teeth, please book an appointment with us at Guelph Line Dental to have it looked at. The earlier it is caught, the easier it will be to treat and get you back to looking forward to that big lick of ice cream again!
