Sensitive Teeth?

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Are your teeth sensitive?

Do you avoid cold food and drinks?

How do you know if it’s just sensitivity or a more serious problem?

                                                          

How common is sensitivity?

It is very common to experience some pain with extremely cold food and drinks. Teeth may also be sensitive to sweet, acidic or hot food and drinks. It is more common in young adults and women report more sensitivity than men. More often dental sensitivity is mild but for some people it can have a significant impact on their daily life.

What causes tooth sensitivity? 

The most common cause of sensitive teeth is exposure of the dentine layer of the tooth. In comparison to the outer enamel layer of the tooth, which is the hardest tissue in the human body, dentine is softer and more porous. Changes in temperature or pressure cause movement of fluid within dentine and this stimulates pain receptors, causing sensitivity.

How does dentine become exposed?

In a normal, healthy tooth dentine is covered by enamel above the gum level and cementum on the root surface. The most common cause of dentine exposure is gum recession leading to exposure of the root surface. The cementum layer on the root surface is softer and thinner than dentine and is prone to wear away leaving the dentine exposed.

What causes gum recession?

• The most common cause is gum disease caused by plaque build-up due to inadequate brushing and flossing.

•  Brushing too aggressively with a wrong technique or a toothbrush that is too hard can wear down the enamel at the gum level as well as damage the gums. (For more information on brushing technique, click this link.)

• Excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause enamel at the neck of the tooth to become worn away and worsen pre-existing gum disease.

• Using smokeless or chewing tobacco can lead to gum recession and more serious problems such as mouth cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease.

Dentine can also become exposed when enamel is worn away. 

This may be due to:

·         Long term tooth wear due to a heavy bite or tooth-grinding habit.

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     Frequent exposure of tooth enamel to acidic food and drinks.  

·         Stomach acid due to reflux or frequent vomiting.

·         Tooth decay

A cracked tooth of filling may also lead to sensitivity or pain.

Teeth may also be temporarily sensitive after placement of fillings or tooth whitening procedures.

How can I tell if sensitivity is a sign of a more serious problem?

It’s not always easy to tell. It’s always best to see your dentist if sensitivity is an issue so that they can investigate the cause and find the correct treatment.

If you experience pain for some time after the trigger has been removed, or if your teeth are sensitive to hot this is could be a sign of inflammation within the tooth pulp which contains the nerve.  This needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, to avoid losing the tooth.

How can sensitivity be treated?

This really depends on the cause. The following chart covers some of the most common causes:

Gum disease and recession	Improvement in brushing and flossing techniques. Regular professional cleaning. More complex periodontal treatment required for severe gum disease.
Tooth wear and toothbrush abrasion	Correct brushing technique using soft bristled brush. Fluoride varnish. Fillings or sealants may be required to replace lost tooth surface and protect exposed dentine.
Tooth grinding habit	Mouth guard can be made to be worn at night to prevent tooth grinding.
Acid erosion of tooth enamel	Change in diet, reducing consumption of acidic and sweet food and drinks. Treatment of cause in case of reflux or vomiting. Wait 20 minutes before brushing teeth after acid in mouth. Fluoride gel or varnish. Fillings, crowns or veneers may be required to replace lost tooth surface and protect exposed dentine.
Tooth decay	Fillings. Root canal treatment may be required if decay is very deep and the nerve is infected. Prevention of further decay.

How can I prevent tooth sensitivity at home?

Of course, if there are certain foods and drinks which trigger sensitivity, these are best avoided.

As mentioned above, good diet and oral hygiene will decrease your risk of dental decay and gum disease.

Fluoride helps to reduce sensitivity and decay, it can be found in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Toothpastes made specifically for sensitive teeth also contain other mineral compounds which can help to numb the tooth nerve or create a protective barrier preventing stimuli, such as cold and heat, from causing pain sensations. You need to use these toothpastes regularly, twice a day. If particular teeth are sensitive, you can use your finger to rub a small amount of paste onto the sensitive tooth surface after brushing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Smile Station (click for link), where we will be happy to help you.