Are you experiencing pain or Sensitivity while having ice cream or hot coffee or while eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity is common which can come and go over time. Breathing in cold air will be painful for people with extreme sensitivity

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Happen?

Healthy teeth have a layer called enamel that protects the crown part of your teeth which is above the gum line. Below the gum line, a soft layer called cementum protects the root part of the teeth. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum there is a layer called dentin.

The dentin contains a large number of pores or tubes called dentinal tubules which contain nerve endings that run from outside of the Tooth to the nerve in the center of the tooth. When the cementum and enamel wear off and exposes the dentin, these tubes allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth that results in hypersensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity

Dentin exposure can occur due to various factors. Some of the common reasons are mentioned below

1. Vigorous improper tooth brushing causes loss of gum tissue (gum recession) and cementum exposing dentin part of the root
2. Brushing with a very abrasive toothpaste, vigorous improper brushing, Using hard bristle toothbrush and brushing more than 3 times a day could result in loss of enamel and exposes dentin
3. Excessive flossing or improper use of other interproximal cleaning devices;
4. Gum recession may occur due to aging or gum disease
5. Fractured tooth or chipped off tooth may expose dentin
6. An Acidic diet such as citrus, pickles and acidic drinks may cause tooth wear (Erosion) and dissolve the tooth surface exposing the dentin
7. Teeth grinding habit while sleeping may result in loss of enamel
8. Some dental treatments such as teeth whitening (Bleaching) may cause sensitivity
9. Worn fillings

Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

Yes, Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing as recommended by your dentist and using a low abrasive toothpaste and a very soft bristle toothbrush help reduce enamel wear and gum recession thereby reducing chances of getting tooth sensitivity.

Avoid

• Using large amounts of toothpaste or reapplying it during brushing
• Using medium- or hard-bristle toothbrush
• Brushing teeth immediately after having acidic foods or drinks
• Excessive flossing or improper use of other interproximal cleaning devices
• Using toothpicks inappropriately

Sensitive teeth cannot be ignored as it can be painful to brush them. Poor brushing because of pain may increase the chances of getting tooth decay and gum disease

What Can I Do About It?

The type of treatment depends on what is causing the sensitivity – A Dental Profession will help you with this. Your dentist will suggest any one of the below treatments depending on the cause of sensitivity

• Desensitizing toothpaste which is specially formulated to reduce sensitivity. This paste contains compounds which block transmission of sensations to the nerve of the tooth by clogging up the tiny tubules which go to the nerve. It requires several applications.
• High fluoride toothpaste specially formulated to make your teeth less sensitive and provides extra protection against decay.
• Application of fluoride varnish on the sensitive areas strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations
• Dental filling in case of chipped off tooth or tooth fracture that involves loss of enamel
• Placement of Crown or inlay to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity
• Replacement of damaged enamel with Dental veneers which are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over your teeth, providing a natural, attractive look.
• Surgical gum graft in case of loss of gum from the root will protect the root and reduce sensitivity
• Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if the sensitivity is severe and cannot be treated by other means

References

1. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons-0515
2. https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/topics/dentin-hypersensitivity/tooth-sensitivity-general
3. https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/topics/dentin-hypersensitivity/what-is-tooth-sensitivity
4. https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/id/2008/08/managing-dentin-hypersensitivity
5. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
6. http://www.abbydentist.com/index.php/patient-info/common/

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