Sensitive Teeth in Burnaby?

If a sip of iced coffee on Kingsway or a spoonful of ice cream after dinner sends a sharp twinge through your tooth, you’re far from alone. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints we hear at Burnaby South Dental, our Highgate clinic at 6975 Kingsway. The good news? In nearly every case, sensitivity has a clear cause, and a clear path to relief.

This guide walks through what tooth sensitivity actually is, the everyday habits and conditions that trigger it, and the gentle, evidence-based treatments your Burnaby dentist can offer. By the end, you’ll know exactly when a quick at-home fix is enough and when it’s time to book a visit.

What is tooth sensitivity, exactly?

Healthy teeth are protected by a hard outer layer of enamel above the gumline and a softer layer called cementum below it. Underneath both is dentin, which contains thousands of tiny tubules that lead directly to the nerve at the centre of the tooth.

When enamel or cementum is worn, cracked, or pulled away by receding gums, those tubules are exposed. Hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods can travel down them and reach the nerve, and that’s the sharp, fleeting pain you feel. The clinical term is dentin hypersensitivity, and Canadian dental data suggests roughly 1 in 8 adults experiences it regularly.

Common causes we see at our Highgate clinic

Most cases of sensitivity in our patients fall into one of these buckets:

Brushing too hard or with the wrong brush. Stiff bristles and a heavy hand wear away enamel and push gums back. (If you missed our earlier post on choosing a toothbrush, the short version is: soft bristles, light pressure, every time.)

Gum recession. Gums can recede with age, gum disease, or aggressive brushing. Once the root surface is exposed, sensitivity follows quickly.

Grinding or clenching (bruxism). Lots of Burnaby patients grind their teeth at night without knowing it. Over time, grinding flattens the chewing surfaces and creates micro-cracks that let sensitivity in.

Acidic diets. Sparkling water, citrus, sports drinks, kombucha, and wine all soften enamel temporarily. Brushing right after only makes the wear worse.

Cracked, chipped, or worn fillings. A small crack you can’t see can be a direct path to the nerve.

Recent whitening. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity that fades within a few days; professional teeth whitening at our clinic uses gentler, dentist-supervised gels designed to minimize this.

Cavities or early decay. A new sensitive spot, especially one that linger, is sometimes the first sign of a cavity that’s still small and easy to fix.

What you can try at home first

Before booking, it’s reasonable to try a few simple changes for two weeks:

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride.
Brush gently in small circles, not back-and-forth scrubbing.
Wait 30 minutes after acidic foods or drinks before brushing.
Use a fluoride mouth rinse at night.
Cut back on night-time snacking, which keeps your mouth in an acidic state for longer.

If sensitivity gets better in a couple of weeks, the cause was likely habit-related and you can keep going. If it doesn’t, or if it gets worse, it’s time to come see us.

When to see your Burnaby dentist

Book an appointment promptly if you notice any of the following:

Pain that lasts more than a few seconds after the trigger is gone
Sensitivity to heat specifically (often a deeper concern than cold)
A single tooth that has suddenly become sensitive
Visible chips, cracks, or dark spots
Bleeding gums, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth
Pain that wakes you up at night

These can point to something more than surface sensitivity, a cavity, a cracked tooth, or early gum disease, and catching them early almost always means a smaller, less expensive fix.

If you’re in serious pain right now, our same-day emergency dentist services are available, just call (604) 540-6000.

How we treat sensitivity at Burnaby South Dental

Treatment depends entirely on the cause, which is why a proper exam matters. Common options we offer at our Highgate clinic include:

Comprehensive exam and digital X-rays to find the root cause
Preventative dentistry — professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that irritate gums
In-office fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and seal exposed dentin
Tooth-coloured fillings for cavities, chips, and worn edges
Bonding to cover exposed root surfaces from gum recession
Custom night guards for grinders and clenchers
Restorative care like crowns or onlays for cracked or heavily worn teeth
Gum care if recession or early gum disease is contributing

We talk through every option — what it costs, how long it takes, what it feels like — before anything begins. No surprises, no pressure.

Why patients choose our Highgate clinic

Burnaby South Dental sits right on Kingsway, a quick walk from Highgate Village shops and just minutes from Middlegate, Edmonds Station, and Royal Oak. We see families from across South Burnaby, with:

Direct billing to most major insurers
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) patients welcome
Evening and weekend appointments
A calm, child-friendly environment
Modern, gentle techniques — including digital x-rays at a fraction of the radiation of traditional film

You can read more about the Burnaby South Dental team on our about page, or book directly online any time.

Frequently asked questions

Can sensitive teeth go away on their own? Sometimes — especially if the cause is a temporary one like recent whitening or a brief change in diet. But persistent sensitivity rarely resolves without addressing the underlying cause, so two weeks is a reasonable window to try at-home fixes before booking an exam.

Does sensitivity always mean I have a cavity? No. Most sensitivity is from worn enamel or gum recession, not decay. That said, a single tooth that suddenly becomes sensitive is worth checking, since early cavities can feel exactly the same.

Is whitening safe if I already have sensitive teeth? For most patients, yes — when it’s done under a dentist’s supervision with the right gel and a custom-fitted tray. We adjust the strength and timing to your needs. Over-the-counter strips are more likely to cause problems.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan? Yes. Burnaby South Dental accepts CDCP patients. Bring your CDCP confirmation letter to your first visit and we’ll handle the rest.

How quickly can I get an appointment? We usually have new-patient and check-up openings within the same week, and we hold time daily for dental emergencies. Call (604) 540-6000 or book online.

Ready to feel comfortable again?

Sensitivity is your tooth’s way of asking for attention — and at Burnaby South Dental, we’re ready to listen. Whether you’re a long-time Highgate neighbour or just moved into Middlegate or Edmonds, our team would love to meet you.

📞 Call (604) 540-6000 📍 6975 Kingsway #2, Burnaby, BC V5E 1E5 🦷 Book online — new patients always welcome.

This blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for an exam by a licensed dentist. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or trauma, please contact us right away.