preventative dentistry

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth in Marlow

Do you feel a shooting pain in your teeth when eating or drinking something hot? Does the thought of biting into an ice cream or a cold, hard apple make you wince? Sensitive teeth can be a burden for many people and can be caused by a variety of factors.

treatment process

There are several causes of sensitivity—

It is always important to seek advice from a dental professional so that the source of the problem can be identified and treated.

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Temporary pain can be experienced after tooth whitening procedures and is treated with over the counter painkillers.

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Dental erosion, or the loss of tooth enamel, can also cause sensitivity. Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth that protects the sensitive dentine underneath. If enamel is worn away or eroded, this dentine is exposed which can lead to pain and sensitivity, which can be worsened with extreme temperatures.

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Erosion can be caused by your diet (frequent consumption of high sugar or high acid food or drink), tooth brushing habits (brushing too hard), tooth grinding, certain medical conditions and eating disorders.

For top tips on protecting your enamel and for effective treatment of tooth sensitivity, come to the practice for a check-up and we will create an individualised care plan for you.

Being able to consume hot and cold drinks and food.

Pain-free mouth.

Reduced risk of further tooth wear.

frequently asked questions

Sensitive teeth can be caused by various factors. One common cause is worn enamel, which exposes the underlying dentin and allows stimuli like hot, cold, and sweet foods to reach the nerves. Tooth decay, gum disease, tooth fractures, and teeth grinding can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. It's best to consult with a dentist to determine the specific cause of your sensitive teeth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to reduce tooth sensitivity. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid brushing too vigorously, as this can further damage the enamel. Use a desensitising toothpaste containing compounds that block pain transmission to the tooth nerves. Additionally, a dentist may recommend a fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.

Yes, some whitening toothpaste formulations can cause tooth sensitivity. Whitening toothpaste often contains harsh abrasives that can strip away the enamel, exposing the dentin and leading to sensitivity. If you experience sensitivity while using a whitening toothpaste, consider switching to a desensitising toothpaste or consulting with a dentist for alternative whitening options.

It is not uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity after certain dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and professional teeth cleaning. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days as the tooth recovers. However, if the sensitivity persists or worsens, it's important to contact your dentist, as it could be a sign of an underlying issue requiring further treatment.

Yes, teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive dentin. This can make your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. Using a mouthguard at night or engaging in stress-management techniques to reduce teeth grinding can help minimise tooth sensitivity associated with bruxism. Consulting with a dentist can provide further guidance and treatment options.

Preventing tooth sensitivity involves maintaining good oral hygiene, using a soft-bristle toothbrush, and avoiding highly acidic or sugary foods and drinks. Limit your intake of foods and beverages that may erode the enamel, such as citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, and candy. Regular dental check-ups are essential to identify and address any potential dental issues that may contribute to sensitivity and prevent its recurrence.

Yes, receding gums can expose tooth roots, which are not protected by enamel. This can cause tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If your tooth sensitivity is accompanied by gum recession, it's important to visit a dentist who can assess the condition and recommend appropriate treatment to address the gum recession and alleviate the sensitivity.

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Overconsumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda, can erode the enamel and lead to sensitivity. Additionally, habits like aggressive brushing, using a hard-bristle toothbrush, or using tobacco products can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. Making adjustments to your lifestyle, such as adopting a healthier diet and improving oral hygiene practises, can help reduce tooth sensitivity.

While dental issues are a common cause of tooth sensitivity, it's essential to recognise that certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux, bulimia, and GERD, can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. These conditions expose the teeth to stomach acids, which can erode the enamel and increase sensitivity. If you suspect that a medical condition is causing tooth sensitivity, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Tooth sensitivity itself is not considered a dental emergency; however, it may indicate an underlying dental condition that requires attention. If you experience severe and sudden tooth sensitivity, accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it is important to contact your dentist promptly. They can evaluate your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment to address the underlying issue.

LIVING WITH DISCOMFORT? LET’S FIX IT.

There’s usually a simple reason—and a simple fix

Sensitivity is often treatable once we know the cause. Book an appointment, and we’ll get to the root of it.

book an appointment

Located at 32 Station Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1NE, our practice is easily accessible with unlimited parking. There is a free car park at the rear of the building for patients use, accessed from the entrance to the left-hand side of the building.

disability access

The entrance at the rear of the building is ramped to allow easy access to the ground floor.

32 station rd, marlow sl7 1ne
  • Monday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am – 7:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am – 2 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am – 12 pm
  • Sunday/Bank Holidays: Closed

At Bridge Dental Surgeries, we are dedicated to providing top-quality family dentistry in a warm and welcoming environment. From routine check-ups to specialised treatments, our team ensures every visit meets our high standards of care.

Our mission is simple: ensure our patients have a healthy mouth and a happy smile, focusing on the prevention and preservation of your dental health. We believe in making top-tier dental care accessible and stress-free, ensuring that you leave our practice feeling better than when you arrived.

The new patient appointment includes the following:

  • An Extensive Examination
  • Treatment plan will be created to align with your smile goals
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Clinical assessment of teeth and gums
  • Digital X-Rays taken
  • Detailed guidance for looking after your teeth at home
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At Bridge Dental Surgeries, we believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to achieving your perfect smile. We've partnered with Chrysalis Finance, one of the leading providers of dental financing solutions in the UK, to offer flexible, transparent, and easy-to-manage payment plans tailored to your individual needs.

We are also delighted to offer memberships plans at Bridge Dental, which is our very own scheme designed to assist you by spreading the costs of important routine appointments equally across 12 months rather than having unplanned expenses occur when you least need them.