Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Selkirk
A sharp twinge with cold drinks or sweets can have several causes. Selkirk patients can have sensitive teeth assessed and treated at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsWhen cold or sweet hurts
Sensitivity is common, but the cause still needs finding.
Tooth sensitivity is a brief, sharp pain triggered by cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air. It often happens when the protective enamel or gum tissue wears away, exposing the dentin underneath. Cracks, decay, worn fillings and recent dental work can also cause sensitivity, so identifying the source matters.
If winter wind off the lake or a cold drink on a summer afternoon makes you wince, it is worth mentioning at your next visit. Selkirk patients can have sensitivity assessed at our Port Dover office, where the dentist will look for the cause and suggest treatments that may help reduce discomfort.
Understanding the cause
Several issues can expose sensitive tooth layers.
Worn enamel and exposed roots
Brushing too hard, acidic foods and drinks, grinding and gum recession can wear away enamel or expose root surfaces. Dentin contains tiny channels that lead to the nerve, so when it is exposed, temperature changes and certain foods can trigger sharp pain. Gum recession is especially common with age or gum disease.
Other dental causes
A cracked tooth, a cavity, a leaking or worn filling, or a recent cleaning or whitening can also cause sensitivity. Pain that lingers, throbs or occurs on its own may indicate a deeper problem with the nerve. The dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays to identify which cause is involved.
Assessment
Details help pinpoint the problem.
Describing your symptoms
Note which teeth are sensitive, what triggers the pain, how long it lasts and whether it has changed recently. Mention whether pain occurs with biting. Brief twinges with cold that fade quickly are often related to exposed dentin, while lingering pain may suggest the nerve is inflamed. These patterns help the dentist decide what to check.
Habits worth mentioning
Tell the dentist about your brushing habits, the type of toothbrush and toothpaste you use, whether you grind or clench, and how often you have acidic drinks such as soda, sports drinks or citrus. Recent whitening or dental work is also relevant. Small changes in habits can sometimes make a significant difference in sensitivity.
Treatment options
Relief often comes from a combination of steps.
At-home relief
Desensitizing toothpaste used consistently for several weeks can help block the channels in dentin. Switching to a soft toothbrush and gentler brushing technique may reduce further wear. Limiting acidic foods and drinks, and waiting a while after them before brushing, can help protect enamel. The dentist may recommend specific products to try.
In-office treatments
Fluoride varnish or desensitizing agents can be applied in the office. Bonding may cover exposed root surfaces. If a cavity, crack or worn filling is causing sensitivity, repairing it may resolve the problem. Gum grafting may be discussed for significant recession. If the nerve is involved, root canal treatment might be recommended.
Preventing return
Prevention helps keep sensitivity at bay.
Protecting enamel and gums
Brush gently with a soft brush, using a technique the hygienist recommends. Continue using desensitizing toothpaste if it helps. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may reduce enamel wear. Keep up with good gum care to limit recession. Rinse with water after acidic foods and drinks to help reduce their effect on enamel.
Monitoring changes
Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor sensitive areas and spot new problems early. Let the team know if sensitivity worsens, spreads to other teeth or changes in character, such as becoming throbbing or lingering. These changes may indicate a different cause that needs attention rather than simply continuing the current approach.
Planning your appointment
Getting sensitivity checked from Selkirk.
Arrange an exam at our Port Dover office and explain which teeth react and what sets them off. Let the dentist know about recent dental treatment or whitening too.
Bring the name of the toothpaste and toothbrush you use, and note whether the sensitivity has changed over recent weeks.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Tooth sensitivity questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?
Sudden sensitivity may result from a crack, cavity, worn filling, gum recession or recent whitening or dental work. The dentist can examine your teeth to identify the cause. If sensitivity is severe or lingering, contact the office promptly.
Does desensitizing toothpaste really work?
For many people, desensitizing toothpaste helps when used consistently for several weeks. It works by blocking the channels in exposed dentin. If it does not help, or sensitivity worsens, the dentist can look for other causes and suggest in-office treatments.
Can brushing too hard cause sensitivity?
Yes. Aggressive brushing or a hard-bristled brush can wear enamel and contribute to gum recession, exposing sensitive dentin. Switching to a soft brush and gentler technique can help. Ask the hygienist to show you an effective but gentle method.
Is sensitivity a sign of a cavity?
It can be, but not always. Sensitivity may also come from exposed roots, worn enamel or cracks. The dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays to check for decay or other problems that might be causing the discomfort.
Will sensitivity go away on its own?
Sensitivity after whitening or a cleaning often fades within days. Ongoing sensitivity usually needs attention to the cause. The dentist can recommend treatments and habits to reduce discomfort and help protect your teeth from further wear.
Related causes and care
Additional Services →Cracked and Broken Tooth Repair →
Sharp pain when biting or a tooth that feels split? Selkirk patients can learn how cracked teeth are diagnosed and repaired at our Port Dover office.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Preventive care combines professional cleanings with habits that suit you. Selkirk patients can build a practical hygiene plan with our Port Dover team.