Sensitive Teeth - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
When our teeth are sensitive, it can pretty be inconvenient. Teeth sensitivity is often a signal that something may be going on in your mouth, and if reoccurring typically warrants a trip to see your dentist. This article will give complete information about symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention tips for Sensitive Teeth.
- Research reports that an average of 11.5% of adults suffer from dentin hypersensitivity.
What are Sensitive Teeth?
Commonly hot, cold, sugary, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages trigger pain if you have sensitive teeth. This is often a consequence of worn-down tooth enamel or root exposure.
What are the Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?
Intermittent Dental Discomfort
You may experience pain that comes and goes if you have sensitive teeth. This often causes pulsating pain.
Single-Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes you may be able to pinpoint the feeling of sensitivity on a specific tooth. This is often the case for teeth with gum recession that has exposed the tooth’s root, or teeth where the nerve inside the tooth may be damaged causing nerve irritation.
Pain Sensation while Eating
Applying additional pressure such as biting down on food can trigger pain in teeth that are sensitive. The pain may go away once pressure is released.
Surface Teeth Staining
Tooth discoloration may be related to sensitive teeth for many reasons. For instance, certain foods and beverages that cause teeth staining, including coffee and wine, may also cause increased sensitivity due to their acidity. Acids often lead to a breakdown of tooth enamel which can expose the middle layer of the teeth, the dentin, which is more yellow in appearance and more sensitive due to the presence of nerve endings.
Hot/Cold Tooth Discomfort
Temperature extremes, such as hot and cold beverages and foods can trigger tooth sensitivity. Teeth contain nerve endings that can be stimulated by hot and cold.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Age
Although tooth sensitivity can impact anyone of any age, it is often most reported in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, according to the Journal of Conservative Dentistry.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing too hard can lead to enamel wear, which over time can result in the more sensitive middle layer of the tooth (dentin) to be exposed.
Damaged Dental Work
A cracked or damaged dental restoration can expose your teeth to oral bacteria and the foods and beverages we consume, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Plaque Accumulation
When bacterial plaque is left on the teeth, it can lead to tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. It is important to brush and floss teeth to remove debris and plaque.
Gum Problems
Gum disease is characterized by inflammation, which may cause tooth sensitivity and tender gums.
Damaged Fillings
When fillings become damaged or loose this can cause tooth sensitivity and will require treatment as soon as possible to prevent bacterial spread and infection.
Enamel Wear
When the dental enamel wears down and dentin becomes exposed, the tooth’s nerve endings become exposed which can cause tooth sensitivity. The enamel can commonly wear down from acidic foods and drinks and bacterial plaque.
Sensitivity After Treatment
Following a dental procedure, such as cleanings, fillings, and crowns, your teeth may be temporarily sensitive. You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold, which tends to go away after a couple of weeks.
Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can commonly result in tooth sensitivity and should be treated as soon as possible. It may be hard to see visually and even on an X-ray, but symptoms such as pain when chewing may indicate tooth fracture.
Receding Gums
If your gums appear to be “pulling away” from the teeth, this could be a sign of gum recession. This can occur overtime due to gum disease, genetics, brushing too hard, or because of other factors. Gum recession can cause the tooth’s roots to become exposed, which are subject to more sensitivity than tooth enamel.
Whitening Products
A common side effect of teeth whitening products can be tooth sensitivity. Before using whitening products it is best to speak with your dental professional.
Mouthwash Effects
Some mouthwashes may contribute to tooth sensitivity depending on the ingredients. Mouthwashes containing acids can cause enamel wear which can lead to dentin sensitivity.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can lead to dentin exposure and consequently tooth sensitivity. Your dental professional can identify signs of tooth grinding including teeth that are flattened or chipped, damage to the inside of your cheeks, among other sings.
Acidic Food Effects
Acidic foods can be harmful to your oral cavity as it can erode your tooth enamel. Bacteria thrive in acidic environments and can cause oral infection and tooth decay. It is best to limit acidic foods and beverages and items high in sugar.
How to Fix Sensitive Teeth?
Root Canal Therapy
In some cases, tooth sensitivity may be a result of dental infection within the tooth’s root. If this is the case, your dental professional may recommend root canal treatment to remove the infection and help save your tooth. A root canal removes bacteria from within the innermost layer of the tooth, known as dental pulp, and seals it off to protect it from further infection.
Crown, Filling, or Bonding
When teeth become cracked, damaged, or infected your dental professional may recommend treatments such as dental crowns, dental fillings, or bonding procedures. This can help prevent dental infection and reduce symptoms like tooth sensitivity and pain.
Fluoride Gel
Your dental professional may recommend fluoride gel to help strengthen your tooth enamel, as fluoride is known to add essential minerals to the teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Dentin Sealers
Your dental professional may place a dentin sealer when your teeth is being prepared for a dental filling or bonding procedure. Dentin sealers are designed to help reduce tooth sensitivity when your dentin layer has become exposed.
Mouthguard
Dental mouthguards can help protect your teeth from accidental injury. It is extremely important to wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or participating in activities where your mouth could be at risk of injury.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
There are many different types of toothpaste to help address your individual needs. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, desensitizing toothpaste contains specific ingredients to help alleviate your discomfort. Speak with your dental professional for helpful toothpaste recommendations.
Gum Grafts
A gum grafting procedure may be recommended for individuals with gum recession and root exposure who are experiencing tooth sensitivity. Gum tissue is typically removed from the roof of your mouth and placed onto the gumline.
How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth?
Brush and Floss Daily
One of the best ways to prevent experiencing tooth sensitivity is to brush and floss your teeth daily. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene every day is necessary to keep your smile and overall health in check. It is necessary to visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-up exams. They will diagnose and treat any existing oral issues and help you prevent problems from occurring.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended to remove bacterial plaque from the teeth and prevent tooth decay and tooth sensitivity, among many other health problems. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be harmful to the teeth and gums, as it can cause your tooth enamel to wear down and gums to recess.
Brush with Sensitivity Toothpaste
Toothpastes geared to tackle tooth sensitivity can be beneficial in calming down the nerves within the teeth. This can give additional protection against sensitivity triggers like consuming hot and cold items. There are a wide variety of sensitivity toothpastes available over-the-counter. Be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which states that the product as been approved for safety and efficacy.
Avoid Acidic foods
As mentioned, acidic foods can wear down your dental enamel, increasing your likelihood of experiencing tooth sensitivity. Common acidic foods like energy drinks, orange juice, lemon, limes, tomatoes, coffee, and soda for example can cause sensitivity in your teeth. It is important to balance acidic foods with more alkaline foods and beverages that help neutralize acidity to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Use Mouthguard
Mouthguards are important protective gear that help prevent your teeth from accidental injury. When playing contact sports or participating in activities that could pose a threat to your teeth, be sure to use a mouthguard. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, let your dental professional know immediately.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can cause a lot of discomfort. Thankfully, your dental professional can help you prevent and treat tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity may be caused by poor oral hygiene, cracked teeth, damaged dental restorations, gum disease, tooth decay, aggressive tooth brushing, teeth whitening treatment, teeth grinding or other factors. If you are experiencing symptoms of tooth sensitivity speak with your dental professional right away.
