Sensitive Teeth Causes & Treatment

Imagine taking a drink of ice water on a hot day and then being zapped suddenly by pain in your teeth. Patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity, such as hot and cold sensitivity, will find themselves avoiding eating or drinking certain foods to prevent the shock. In some cases, this also means avoiding brushing or flossing for fear of pain.

There are options to help prevent and treat sensitive teeth, however.

Causes

Tooth sensitivity happens with the tissue within your teeth, called dentin, becomes exposed to the elements. The enamel is the outer coating of your teeth, which protects the dentin. But when the enamel is removed or damaged, and the dentin exposed, you are left with sore teeth. Within your dentin there are small channels called tubules, which have a direct channel to the nerve of your tooth. It is the nerve that is causing you pain.

Sensitivity can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Brushing too hard: Using too hard of a toothbrush or using heavy force when brushing your teeth can breakdown the outer enamel, exposing the dentin underneath.
• Grinding and clenching: If you grind or clench your teeth, especially while sleeping, you can wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin.
• Dental work: In some cases, you might have had a filling or other treatment that went close to the nerve of your tooth, leaving you with sensitivity.
• Gum disease: When your gums become inflamed, they can pull back from the tooth, exposing more sensitive areas that would have otherwise been protected.
• Tooth decay: Active decay will bore through your enamel and even the dentin, causes the nerve to send out pain signals.
• Recession: Recession can be caused by gum disease, orthodontia, or even over-zealous brushing, but it leaves the root of your tooth exposed, resulting in sensitivity.
• Tooth whitening: Tooth whitening also can cause sensitivity, but the results are temporary and should fade away a few days after you have finished the treatment.

Treatment

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, there is hope for recovery. The following suggestions depend greatly on what the cause behind the sensitivity was.

• Fluoride: Fluoride can help strengthen and desensitize your teeth. You should use fluoride toothpaste, but can also use a fluoride rinse.
• Sensitive toothpaste: There are a few brands of toothpaste you can buy that focus on tooth sensitivity.
• Gentle brushing: Don’t overdo it with brushing. If you can’t get it down, invest in an electric toothbrush that will provide the right amount of pressure.
• Night guards: If you clench or grind at night, wear a guard to protect your teeth.
• Visit the hygienist: You should be going in at least twice a year for cleanings regardless, but a hygienist can treat the gums themselves.
• Complete dental work: If you have a cavity or other condition causing the sensitivity, you should proceed with any recommended treatment. If you had treatment done and are still suffering, it is time to come back in and revisit your symptoms.

Never suffer with tooth sensitivity. Always speak to your dentist or hygienist and get to the root of the problem.