Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints we dentists hear from our patients. Studies show that about 40 million people suffer from sensitivity at some point. The good news is that it is often easily treatable.
Under the protective enamel layer of teeth, a sensitive layer exists called dentin. This layer is filled with microscopic tubules, or tunnels, that lead directly to the tooth’s living center, known as the pulp. When you eat or drink anything hot, cold, sweet or sour, it causes the fluid in these tiny tubules to move, sending a signal to the brain that something hurts.
Treating tooth sensitivity depends on the issue that is causing the tubules to be open. Below are different tooth issues and how to treat them.
Tooth Decay
An open cavity allows bacteria into the dentin tubules (DT) and allows cold and sweets to make things worse. Restorations, such as fillings and crowns, will seal the DTs and help with sensitivity.
Erosive Loss of Enamel
Enamel can be lost by ingesting acidic food and drink (sour candy, lemons and colas) or from acid reflux. Lessen this process by avoiding acidic items. When you do have acidic items, wait 30 minutes before brushing and applying fluoride after brushing. Women experiencing morning sickness should also wait 30 minutes to brush after vomiting to minimize damage to enamel caused by stomach acid.
Gum Recession
As the gums recede, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. The cementum covering the root is softer than the enamel on the chewing portion of the tooth, so it’s more easily damaged and can expose open DTs. Treatment for recession may include treating gum disease or grafting gum tissue. Using a soft toothbrush and a sensitivity toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, will minimize damage to remaining gum tissue. Application of fluoride and dentin desensitizers such as glutaraldehyde will help to block open and exposed DTs.
Tooth Grinding and Clenching
Grinding and clenching can lead to micro fractures in the tooth that grow with time and just plain make teeth unhappy, especially the back lower molars. Devices such as professionally made night guards can help mitigate this damage.
Plaque Accumulations
Plaque is a collection of bacteria and other things that build up on teeth. The bacteria in plaque metabolize the sugar we eat, producing acids that chemically attack the enamel and open the DTs. Good brushing and flossing are the remedies for this. Fluoride toothpastes also remineralize the acid-damaged enamel and dentin, thus repairing it.
Brushing Too Hard
I advise patients to brush with the same pressure they would use on a ripe tomato. If your brush looks like an eyelash curler got ahold of it, you are brushing too hard. Using even a medium brush can do damage to the gums and teeth. This kind of damage opens DTs. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors will give hepatic feedback when too much pressure is applied.
Tooth Whitening Products
Whitening your teeth may be tempting, but it may do more harm than good. Some whitening agents soak into the enamel, temporarily opening the DTs in your teeth. When bleaching causes sensitivity, we recommend patients decrease exposure time or stop using these products. Fluoride can also be applied to help mitigate sensitivity caused by bleaching.
Cracked Teeth
Teeth can crack for many reasons. When cracks occur, a filling or crown may help protect the tooth and lessen sensitivity, as long as the crack is caught before it gets too deep into the tooth.
Trauma to the Tooth
Blunt trauma to a tooth, or overuse of a single tooth through nail biting can make a nerve overreactive. The remedy is to reduce or eliminate the behavior causing the issue.
No matter the cause of your tooth sensitivity, most are easily addressed at your dental provider’s office. When simple solutions fail, other options can be pursued to alleviate the pain. Don’t let sensitive teeth ruin your ice cream, reach out for help to one of the many dental offices in the area, they will be happy to help you. For more information, contact Campos Family Dental by calling (217) 250-2444.
