Brighton Dental Centre - Brighton

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Brighton

If you’re experiencing tooth pain triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, relief is within reach. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that can be effectively treated both in-office and at home.
Call 613-701-9751

The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Typically, a layer of enamel protects your teeth, shielding the underlying dentin and the pulp at the core, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When enamel becomes too thin or dentin is exposed, the nerves lose their protection, resulting in sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity is often caused by practices or conditions that damage or erode tooth enamel. Here are some common culprits:
  • Consuming acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed.
  • Neglecting routine oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing.
  • Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
  • Using professional dental tools improperly at home.
  • Health issues like bulimia or acid reflux, which expose teeth to stomach acid.
  • Untreated gum disease or gum recession.
  • Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
  • Untreated dental cavities.
  • Tobacco use, cannabis products, or vaping.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth.
  • Overuse of teeth whitening products.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to identify the cause and take steps to address it. Professional dental care can provide effective solutions to protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity, helping you maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, the most important first step is to visit the dentist. This allows us to rule out underlying causes and recommend the most effective treatments for any damage or decay. With a formal diagnosis, you can feel confident about addressing the problem. Here’s what the process looks like:

Figure Out the Underlying Cause

We’ll start by understanding the source of your sensitivity. During your exam, you’ll describe the sensitivity and how often it occurs. We may perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, the tap test, or the cold test, to identify any underlying issues. The dentist will also examine your teeth and gums thoroughly.

Treatment in the Office

If damage or decay is detected, we offer a variety of restorative treatments. These may include simple fillings, crowns for more complex cases, or in-office treatments for worn enamel. We’ll explain all your options, and you’ll make the final decision about your care.

Personalized Advice

With so many potential causes of tooth sensitivity, personalized care is essential. Once your exam is complete, we’ll pinpoint the exact cause and provide tailored recommendations to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future sensitivity.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush twice a day using desensitizing toothpaste. Gently clean along the gumline, floss daily, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods or drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, particularly before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease the strain on your jaw. For long-term relief, visit your dentist to determine the underlying cause of your sensitivity.

In some cases, improving your dental hygiene can alleviate tooth sensitivity. Keeping teeth clean and using fluoride treatments can help enamel heal and strengthen. However, persistent pain indicates a deeper issue, such as exposed dentin, which could lead to infection or an abscess. Professional dental care is essential to address these risks.

Yes, stress can indirectly cause tooth sensitivity. Stress often leads to neglected oral care, indulgence in sweet or acidic foods, and increased smoking. Stress may also cause teeth grinding or clenching, which wears down enamel and increases sensitivity. Grinding is particularly tricky because it often happens during sleep without your awareness.

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity:

  • Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, soda, citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
  • Sweet foods: Chocolate, candy, jams, caramel, ice cream, and sugary drinks.
  • Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, crackers, potato chips, and cookies.
  • Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits like cherries and popcorn.

You don’t need to avoid these completely, but practice moderation and maintain good oral hygiene, especially before bed.

Low-acid, low-sugar foods are ideal for sensitive teeth. High-fiber foods and dairy promote saliva production, which helps protect enamel. A varied, nutritious diet rich in protein and calcium is also beneficial.

Examples include:

  • Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
  • Snacks: Nuts, raisins, celery, carrots, apples, cheese.
  • Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables.
  • Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, apple sauce.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help support strong enamel and reduce sensitivity.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

KENT Q
1 week ago
I had not been to a dentist in a few years thanks to Covid. This place was AMAZING! Extremely friendly, professional, compassionate and supportive. Plus the place is HUGE so made getting in to see someone very quick and painless. Highly Recommend.
More
Jordan Weese
1 month ago
The dental office has a very relaxing atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming to new patients. My hygienist and dentist were very thorough and professional while being friendly too. A most pleasant experience from the receptionist onward .. pleased with my new dental office.
More
Angeli Logan
2 months ago
I went here even tho I have major anxiety and panic attacks when it comes to dentists. Due to a very horrific experience with an ignorant rude and cruel dental surgeon in Belleville. I told the staff here and they were amazing. It didn't stop my panic but they certainly did thier best to try and calm me. Didn't rush me at all. I would recommend them 100%
More
Uta G.
2 months ago
Dr. Saxena is hands down the best dentist I have ever had. His knowledge and the technologies he is using, make going to the dentist a breeze. A crown is done in house within one day! And they fit like a glove. The rest of the team is super friendly too, so 100 out of 100 points.
More
Noel Agcaoili
4 months ago
Moved here from Toronto several years ago and I must say the dental equipments are at par, if not better. Level of service is phenomenal. Shout out to Hygienist Holly, who is amazing at what she does. Has soft and gentle touch when working on your teeth, with matching good singing voice to make you forget you’re sitting on a dental chair. Good Job!
More
KENT Q
1 week ago
I had not been to a dentist in a few years thanks to Covid. This place was AMAZING! Extremely friendly, professional, compassionate and supportive. Plus the place is HUGE so made getting in to see someone very quick and painless. Highly Recommend.
More
Jordan Weese
1 month ago
The dental office has a very relaxing atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming to new patients. My hygienist and dentist were very thorough and professional while being friendly too. A most pleasant experience from the receptionist onward .. pleased with my new dental office.
More
Angeli Logan
2 months ago
I went here even tho I have major anxiety and panic attacks when it comes to dentists. Due to a very horrific experience with an ignorant rude and cruel dental surgeon in Belleville. I told the staff here and they were amazing. It didn't stop my panic but they certainly did thier best to try and calm me. Didn't rush me at all. I would recommend them 100%
More
Uta G.
2 months ago
Dr. Saxena is hands down the best dentist I have ever had. His knowledge and the technologies he is using, make going to the dentist a breeze. A crown is done in house within one day! And they fit like a glove. The rest of the team is super friendly too, so 100 out of 100 points.
More
Noel Agcaoili
4 months ago
Moved here from Toronto several years ago and I must say the dental equipments are at par, if not better. Level of service is phenomenal. Shout out to Hygienist Holly, who is amazing at what she does. Has soft and gentle touch when working on your teeth, with matching good singing voice to make you forget you’re sitting on a dental chair. Good Job!
More
Brighton Dental Centre - Brighton

Request an Appointment Today

Call 613-701-9751