Sensitive Teeth (Tooth Sensitivity)
Although it may seem insignificant, varying degrees of tooth sensitivity affects millions of people every year. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by anything from a tooth ache to discomfort triggered by cold or hot drinks, cold air, sweets, ice cream, etc. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. It not only causes pain and discomfort, but it is also exceptionally inconvenient. Depending on the severity of the sensitivity, people will experience pain while brushing or flossing and might have problems eating certain foods. Luckily, in most cases, sensitive teeth can be successfully treated and prevented.
The Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Most commonly, sensitive teeth begins when the gum tissue starts to recede exposing the underlying layer of your teeth—the dentin. Like a protective blanket, the gums cover the roots which contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center. The nerve center, also known as the pulp, has channels that allow the stimuli to reach the nerve in your tooth causing a sensation of pain or discomfort.
Many factors contribute to tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Plaque build-up. Plaque that is present on the root surface hardens into tartar and causes sensitivity. Also, the bacteria that live in plaque cause gum disease and gum recession.
- Gum disease (gingivitis). The exposed roots , due to the loss of supporting ligaments caused by inflamed and sore gum tissue, contain small pores or tubules which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Pain, pressure and cold stimuli can travel down the tubules and trigger the tooth nerve causing pain and discomfort.
- Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth can have a huge impact on your teeth and may wear down the enamel, exposing underlying dentin.If you grind or clench your teeth, get fitted for a mouth guard to wear while sleeping.
- Cracked teeth. Bacteria can infiltrate chipped or broken teeth and enter the nerve center causing Inflammation.
- Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and remove gum tissue. (2 out of 3 people brush too hard).
- Teeth whitening. Although beautiful, toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide or tooth whitening products are major contributors to sensitive teeth.
- Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30. Also, People with sensitivities to sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch also usually have sensitive teeth.
- Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some mouthwashes such as Listerine or Oraldene contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin, and reverse the beneficial effects of toothpaste. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
- Acidic foods. Enamel erosion can be easily caused by regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and soda pop. Also, dehydration due to diuretics such as alcohol beverages, caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and Mountain Dew can further the sensitivity.
- Recent routine dental procedures. Root sensitivity can occur after having your teeth cleaned, following root planning, crown placement, or even having fillings. The good news is this sensitivity will disappear in about four to six weeks.
Relieve Tooth Sensitivity
The following is a list of five ways you can prevent and/ or relieve tooth sensitivity:
- Maintain good oral hygiene. The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is to keep your gums healthy by brushing all your teeth for 2-3 minutes, not the usually 30- 45 seconds that most people brush. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces where brushing cannot reach.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Continue to practice brushing gently and carefully around the gumline so you do not remove more gum tissue or continue to demineralize the tooth surface. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to thetooth surface and less irritation to your gums.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpastes work in a cumulative fashion to cover the open tubules that cause sensitivity. They contain strontium chloride and/ or potassium nitrate which act to re-mineralize the tooth surface by dispersing into the open pores (tubules) on the enamel. This process helps block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the tooth nerve. They need to be used 4-6 weeks before any changes can be noted.There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth, so find which one works best for you. Another tip,try spreading a thin layer of desensitizing toothpaste on the exposed roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed.
- Watch what you eat. Monitor intake of highly acid drinks and foods. If frequently consumed, they can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure and discomfort.If you drink orange juice in the morning and then brush soon after you may want to either wait at least an hour before brushing, or at least use water only when brushing, then rinse with mouthwash. This gives time for your saliva to re-mineralize the enamel.
- See your dentist at regular intervals. Although home care can be very helpful, it’s important to seek professional guidance regularly. Get tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition).
Some people still have discomfort even after taking the previous precautionary measures; if this pertains to you, then schedule a consultation with us at Bennett Family Dentistry. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:
- White fillings (bonding) help to cover exposed root surfaces, which is a major contributor to tooth sensitivity.
- Fluoride varnishes can be applied to the exposed root surface and ease discomfort and pain.
- Dentin sealers are applied to the exposed root surface and can relieve pain as well.
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