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| Tooth Sensitivity |
Is Tooth Sensitivity Common?
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has
been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth
sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.
Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin
Hypersensitivity) Happen?
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by
dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease.
Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession
by the time they are 65.
When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it
does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the
roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the
dentin of the root exposed. Overzealous
brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the
tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet – for example a
diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop — can cause tooth erosion
and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also
result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.
It is important to tell your dentist or
hygienist if you have any sensitive teeth, so that he or she can examine your
mouth, see if the problem is tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity) and
help you choose the best treatment. When teeth are sensitive it can be painful
to brush them and if you brush poorly because of pain then there is more risk
of tooth decay and gum disease. Pain after hot, cold, sweet or acidic food and
drinks can also be a sign of decay with a cavity or hole in the tooth, or a
sign of a broken tooth, and if this is the case your dentist will treat you
with a filling or other treatment.
What Makes Exposed Dentin Painful?
Dentin contains thousands of tiny channels
that are only visible with a microscope. These channels run from the surface,
through the dentin to the nerve center of the tooth — the pulp. The channels
contain fluid and after eating or drinking hot or cold foods, the fluid in
these tiny channels moves and irritates the nerves in the tooth, causing pain.
Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
You can reduce your chances of getting
tooth sensitivity by keeping your mouth as healthy as possible with good oral
hygiene to help prevent receding gums and periodontal disease. Brushing and
flossing properly as recommended by your dentist or hygienist and using low
abrasion toothpaste can help reduce the chance that you will have tooth
sensitivity. A diet that is not acidic also helps prevent tooth sensitivity.
Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems,
especially if the pain causes you to brush poorly making you vulnerable to
tooth decay and gum disease.
What Can I Do if I Have Sensitive Teeth?
First tell your dentist or hygienist. He or
she can help you and see what the best treatment is. It is also important to
tell your dentist or hygienist in case the cause is not dentin (root)
hypersensitivity and the tooth is sensitive due to a more serious problem.
To treat tooth sensitivity, your dentist or
hygienist may recommend that you use a low abrasion toothpaste specially made
for sensitive teeth — a desensitizing toothpaste. These toothpastes make the
teeth less sensitive if you brush with them twice a day and also contain
fluoride to help protect your teeth against decay. Alternatively, your dentist
may prescribe a brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse, or high fluoride
level toothpaste that is specially formulated to make your teeth less sensitive
and provides extra protection against decay.
These treatments happen at home when you are brushing your teeth and are
inexpensive. Other treatments for sensitive teeth that your dentist or
hygienist can provide in the dental office are also available. These include
treatments that are painted onto the teeth &— such as fluoride varnishes
and plastic resins, fillings if a lot of tooth area has been lost, and lasers.
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