Sensitive
Teeth
Have you ever gone out on a crisp autumn
morning and actually avoided breathing in for fear of
causing tooth pain from the cold air? Or how about sipping
coffee so carefully to one side of your mouth just to
avoid that one tooth that’s been driving you crazy? Well,
you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort
in one or more teeth that is triggered by temperature
extremes, sugary or sour foods and drinks, and even by
a misaligned bite. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and
shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth creating
pain in your teeth, jaws, neck and ears.
What
Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of
your teeth, the dentin, becomes exposed as a result of
receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers
the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by
hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading
to the tooth's never center (the pulp). These dentinal
tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli – for example,
the hot, cold, or sweet food – to reach the nerve in your
tooth, which results in the pain you feel.
There
are many factors that may lead to the development
of tooth sensitivity, including:
Brushing
too hard: Over time, brushing too hard or using
a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause
the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession
of the gums where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth.
Recession
of the gums: As gums move away from a tooth due
to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface
becomes exposed. The root surface is loaded with nerve
endings that are especially sensitive to temperature changes,
especially cold.
Acid
Reflux Disease: This problem has become a major
problem in our society. Acid reflux causes erosion of
the tooth surface that can lead to sensitivity and even
widespread tooth decay.
Dry
Mouth: What used to be a common problem among
the elderly now affects much of the population who takes
any variety of medications. This condition, also known
as “xerostomia” (pronounced zero-stomia) affects salivary
flow, drying the mouth and creating ideal conditions for
decay and tooth sensitivity to develop.
Cracked
teeth: Chipped or broken teeth may fill with
bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing inflammation.
Teeth
grinding: Grinding (also known as bruxism) or
clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose
underlying sensitive dentin.
Over-the-Counter
tooth whitening products or tartar control toothpaste:
These products are major contributors to teeth sensitivity.
Mouthwash
use: Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some
over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen
tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle
layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin
layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask
your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
Acidic
foods: Regular consumption of foods with a high
acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles,
tea and red wine can cause enamel erosion.
Recent
routine dental procedures: Sensitivity can occur
following teeth cleaning, periodontal therapy, crown placement,
and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures
is temporary, usually disappearing in 4 to 6 weeks.
What
Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper
brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all
parts of your teeth and mouth.
•
Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less
toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation
to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum
line so you do not injure the gum tissue.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are prescription
toothpastes, rinses and custom-made fluoride trays available
for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice
a decrease in sensitivity.
• Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid
foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to
dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity
and start the pain reaction.
• Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth,
use a mouth guard at night. Ask your dentist about making
a nightguard for you if you don’t have one. This alone
may be one of the best investments you can make for your
mouth.
•
See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional
tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride
treatments every 6 months.
If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There
are many dental procedures that can help reduce sensitivity,
including the use of;
• White fillings and bonding to cover exposed root surfaces
• Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
• Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface
