If you have ever experienced that first dull and then sudden sharp ache that comes with eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee, then chances are you’ve felt the painful discomfort of having sensitive teeth.
Or if you’ve ever found yourself wincing while brushing or flossing your teeth, you may have sensitive teeth.
Possible Causes of Sensitive Teeth
There can be any number of reasons for sensitive teeth. Some of the more common causes include:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Gum disease
- Fractured tooth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
- Worn fillings
Your Teeth's Protective Enamel
In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals).
When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth.
Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.
Treating Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:
Desensitising Toothpaste
This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
Fluoride gel
An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
Type of crown, filling or bonding procedure
These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
Surgical gum graft
If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
Root Canal
If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
Treatment Possibilities of Sensitive Teeth
Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain and discomfort.
Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.