Tooth sensitivity - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Tooth sensitivity starts when the softer part of your tooth that lies under the tooth enamel, called “dentine”, becomes exposed. The dentine has tiny tubes that are filled with fluid, any changes in the flow of the fluid are felt as pain. Eating or drinking foods and drinks that are hot, cold or sweet can cause this fluid to move. The exposure of the dentin to the oral environment can happen when a cavity is formed in the tooth or when the thin layer of mineral called “cementum” covering the dentine is worn down.

The cementum covers the root portion of the teeth, if the gums recede the cementum is exposed and can wear away either by acids from out diet or from vigorous brushing. The saliva can recover the damages caused by the acids or the brushing if it is plentiful in calcium and phosphate. Tooth mousse is a product that can provide the protection to the dentin by depositing minerals it contains on the tooth surface, when the saliva fails to do so.

Desensitizing tooth pastes act in a different way, by acting on the nerve in the tooth. In order to achieve a long lasting relief from the sensitivity, brushing twice daily with the desensitizing tooth paste is needed.

If sensitivity persists it is important to come and see us since it may indicate that there is a cavity in the tooth.