Tooth sensitivity, that sudden, sharp pang you feel when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even when breathing cold air, can be a real nuisance. It can disrupt your daily routine and make enjoying your favorite treats uncomfortable. But what exactly causes this sensitivity, and how can you get relief?
This blog post delves into the world of tooth sensitivity, exploring the underlying causes and offering practical solutions to manage and treat it.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity refers to the discomfort you may experience when your teeth react negatively to certain stimuli, such as hot and cold temperatures. Imagine biting into a frozen treat and experiencing a sharp pang or ache in your tooth. This ache or sensitivity can also occur when you eat something sweet or spicy. Tooth decay or temporary enamel weakening due to whitening treatments can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your teeth above the gumline are covered with a layer of protective enamel. This enamel safeguards the dentin, a softer layer beneath it, which contains microscopic tubules connected to the tooth’s nerves. When enamel or cementum wears away or becomes damaged, it exposes the dentin. The dentin is responsible for all sensations in your teeth, including pain. When your gums recede and expose the dentin, the tubules allow fluid to flow in them, making them sensitive to hot and cold and causing pain.
Here are some common causes of tooth sensitivity:
Improper or Insufficient Oral Hygiene
Neglecting to brush often enough can lead to tooth decay and wear away your protective tooth enamel. Brushing too aggressively can also wear away tooth enamel and irritate your gums. Both can cause sensitive teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride restores minerals in teeth and can help rebuild enamel in the initial stages of decay.
Tooth Decay
Poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugar can lead to tooth decay. Decay starts by weakening the enamel, which can be reversed by restoring minerals with fluoride. If decay continues, it will become a cavity. If it’s not filled, the decay will go deeper into the tooth and affect the dentin and the roots of the tooth, causing sensitivity.
Diet
Consuming acidic foods and beverages, such as those high in sugar, leads to enamel wear that can cause sensitive teeth. Bacteria feed on sugar and leave acids as a byproduct. These acids stay on your teeth and erode the enamel.
Gum Recession
When your gums recede, it leaves your root surface exposed, which can cause sensitivity. This can be caused by aggressive brushing or gum disease. Other contributors include aging, hormonal changes, disease, and smoking.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night can wear away your enamel and expose the dentin, leading to sensitivity.
Post-Dental Treatment
Sensitivity is common but temporary after dental treatments, especially with crowns, fillings, and tooth bleaching. These usually resolve after a day or two.
Sensitive Teeth and Age
Sensitive teeth may occur at any age. However, research reported in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry suggests adults ages 20 to 50 are most likely to report sensitive teeth, with the peak reports of dentin hypersensitivity occurring between 30 to 40 years of age. Although the exact reason for this is unknown, it may be related to the fact that the physical structure of the tooth changes with age. Older individuals are more likely to have receding gums, one of the causes of sensitive teeth. Sometimes the main issue is wear and tear on the tooth enamel, which occurs over time.
How Do You Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
In-Office Treatment
Because extremely sensitive teeth are often caused by a more complex dental issue, it’s crucial to see a dentist for proper treatment. They might recommend fluoride gel or treatments to rebuild your enamel, or a sealant to block sensitivity. In more severe cases, solutions like a dental crown, inlay, or bonding might be necessary. If gum disease has progressed to a chronic or advanced stage, addressing this is also essential. Your dentist can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If gum tissue loss has exposed the roots, Dr. Dennison, your reliable Dublin dentist, may suggest a surgical gum graft to cover and protect the roots. For persistent and severe sensitivity, your dentist may take an X-ray to determine if a root canal is appropriate. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), a root canal removes the nerve entirely, alleviating sensitivity.
At-Home Treatment
If your tooth sensitivity is less severe, you can treat it with a few simple at-home tactics. You might be able to find some relief from a desensitizing toothpaste that helps protect the tooth surface. Your dentist might also recommend a fluoride gel treatment, strengthening your current tooth enamel, and decreasing the sensations sent to the nerve.
The best treatment for tooth sensitivity, though, is prevention. Once your tooth enamel is worn down, you can’t get it back. Proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques can prevent sensitive teeth. It will promote healthy teeth and gums regardless of how sensitive your teeth are. Be careful not to brush your teeth too hard, as that can wear down the tooth enamel over time. Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a desensitizing toothpaste to help protect your enamel.
Tooth sensitivity can be a troublesome and painful condition, but understanding its causes and treatments can help you manage and even prevent it. At your next appointment, talk to your dentist if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. They can provide the correct diagnosis and recommend treatment options to get your smile back on track.