What is tooth sensitivity?
It can be defined as a
painful reaction in one or more teeth triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or
sour foods and drinks. This pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep
into the nerve endings of your teeth.
Apart from a cavity or a
missing filling, the most common cause of tooth sensitivity is exposed
dentin on the roots of your teeth. Normally, the dentin (the second,
more sensitive layer of the tooth) is surrounded and protected by your
enamel, cementum (special root covering) and gums. The cause or
mechanism of dentinal sensitivity is still not well understood. It is
believed that the little tubes that connect the dentin to the nerve or
pulp serve as sensory conductors. That sensation may be one of pain.
OUCH!!!
Causes of exposed root
surfaces which may result in dentinal sensitivity:
Brushing too hard - Over a
period of time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
may wear away enamel or cementum and cause the dentin to be exposed.
Recession of the gums -
Movement of gums away from the tooth due to periodontal disease will
expose the root surface.
Gum disease - Inflamed and
sore gum tissue may also cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting
ligaments which exposes root surface.
Other causes of sensitive
teeth:
·
Cracked teeth -
Chipped or broken teeth may fill up with bacteria from plaque and enter
the pulp causing an inflammatory reaction.
·
Grinding your
teeth - Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and
expose underlying dentin.
·
Plaque- The
presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
What to do at home:
·
Maintain good
oral hygiene - Continue to clean all parts of your teeth and mouth
thoroughly.
·
Use a soft
bristled toothbrush -This will result in less toothbrush abrasion of the
tooth surface.
·
Use
desensitizing toothpaste - There are many on the market. With regular
use you should feel a decreased sensitivity. Try spreading a thin layer
on the exposed roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed.
You'll need to find the product that works for you, likely through trial
and error.
·
Consider what
you eat- If you frequently eat foods high in acids, such as citrus
fruits (example: sucking on lemons), they can gradually dissolve the
enamel over time, leading to dentin exposure. The citric acids may
aggravate the hypersensitivity and initiate a painful reaction.
·
Use fluoridated
dental products - As an example, with a daily application of a
fluoridated mouth rinse, hypersensitivity usually decreases. Ask your
dental hygienist about a daily fluoride rinse for home use.
Professional Care:
Ask your oral health
professional, for example a dental hygienist or dentist, about
professional products that may be used to help reduce sensitivity. Some
of the most common treatments are:
·
white fillings
to cover exposed root surfaces
·
fluoride varnish
applied to the exposed root surface
·
dentin sealer
applied to the exposed root surface
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