Do You Suffer From Sensitive Teeth?

When you drink something hot or cold, or eat something sweet or sour--or simply touch your teeth with a fork or toothbrush--do you ever feel a sudden painful sensation? It's not a constant pain; it comes and goes. It may be due to sensitive teeth.

You're not alone. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. Some estimates are as high as 25% of the U.S. adult population. Unfortunately, many people do not bring this matter to the attention of their dentists.

Talk to your dentist

If you suspect you have sensitive teeth, the first thing to do is discuss it with your dentist. He or she can identify if it's sensitivity or something more serious. If it is sensitivity, your dentist will discuss its causes and ways to treat it.

The causes of sensitive teeth

There's more than one theory about what causes sensitivity. But many in the dental profession believe the problem starts when the dentin of the tooth is exposed. Dentin is the porous part of the tooth below the protective enamel covering. This exposure can happen in many ways, some of which include: 

• Brushing too hard along the gum line
• Recession of the gums
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Periodontal treatment
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Tooth wear at the gum line
• Teeth clenching or grinding

Once the dentin is exposed, so are tiny fluid-filled tubes (known as tubbles) that make the dentin porous. These tubes, now exposed directly to the mouth, connect back to the center of the tooth where the nerve is located. Then, hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods or drink--or even touch--can trigger movement of the fluid in the tube, which excites the nerve. The resulting sensation can be as mild as a tingly sensation or as intense as a sharp pain.

How Thomas C. Rector and Associates can treat your sensitive teeth

First of all, a doctor or hygienist will discuss how you brush, your eating habits--even the toothbrush you use--to help you corrct or avoid some of the most common causes and triggers of sensitivity.

Secondly, they may suggest one of a number of in-office treatments that can help give you relief, if it's appropriate for you. As an alternative or an addition to in-office treatment, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a sensitivity toothpaste and will discuss ways to use it most effectively.

How sensitivity toothpaste works

Sensitivity toothpastes work by wither blocking the pain signal from the nerve to the brain or by reducing the movement of fluid in the tubule that stimulates the nerve. The protection from the toothpaste builds over time. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice a difference. The effect can increase for up to 3 months. Be aware that if you stop brushing with toothpaste, the sensitivity pain may return. That's why it's important to use it as your dentist or hygienist instructs. Also, they may specify you to use a sensitivity toothpaste with flouride to maintain the level of cavity protection you need for long-term use.

You don't have to suffer with sensitivity

As a rule, it's always smart to discuss any dental pain you have with your dentist or hygienist. If it turns out to be sensitivity, your dentist and hygienist can help you in the many ways we've discussed. With their guidance and your following the oral hygiene program they give you, you will be able to enjoy the foods--hot or cold, sweet or sour--that you like.