Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air.
There are two types of tooth sensitivity:
Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the dentin (middle layer) of a tooth is exposed. Normally, the dentin is covered by enamel above the gumline and by cementum below the gumline. Dentin is made up of tiny openings called tubules. Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the outer protective layers of enamel or cementum are removed, exposing the dentin. Inside each tubule lies a nerve branch that comes from the tooth’s pulp (the center of the tooth). When the dentin is exposed, cold or hot temperature or pressure can affect these nerve branches. This causes sensitivity. Dentinal sensitivity can affect one or more teeth.
Pulpal sensitivity is a reaction of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is a mass of blood vessels and nerves in the center of each tooth. Pulpal sensitivity tends to affect only a single tooth. If a single tooth changes from cold sensitivity to hot sensitivity, the tooth’s nerve may be dying. In this case, root canal treatment is necessary.
Tooth sensitivity is caused by:
- Brushing too hard:Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
- Plaque build-up:The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
- Mouthwash use:Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity
- Acidic foods:Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
- Recent routine dental procedures:Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in 4 to 6 weeks.
- Recession of the gums:As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
- Cracked or broken teeth:Crackaed or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
- Untreated cavities.
- An old filling with a crack or leak .
- Teeth grinding:Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
- Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide:These products are major contributors to teeth sensitivity.
- Your age:Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
What can I do to reduce tooth sensitivity?
- Maintain good oral hygiene:Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush:This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste:There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use, you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You can spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather
, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Watch what you eat:Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
- Use fluoridated dental products:Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
- Avoid teeth grinding:If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
- See your dentist at regular intervals:Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every 6 months.
If you still have discomfort,if you have sensitivity that lasts for longer than a few weeks, contact your dentist. There are some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:
- White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
- Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
- Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface
Your dentist can conduct tests to see if you need root canal treatment.
For further information, you can contact Dt. Nazlı Büyükabalı Özel with your questions.