Sensitive Teeth – Causes and Cures
Sensitive teeth are a common dental problem. Teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold liquids or foods, as well as cold air and certain foods and drinks that are very sour or sweet. The pain of a sensitive tooth can be a minor annoyance or a sharp pain can shoot deep into the tooth.
Many different things can cause sensitive teeth. If the gums have receded a little, this exposes the dentin of the tooth. Unlike the top of the tooth that shows above the gum line, the root isn’t covered in enamel. Instead, the surface is porous with tiny tubes that lead to the pulp of the tooth, where the nerves lie. The tubes are what allow the cold or heat to radiate into the nerve of the tooth and cause pain.
Other conditions besides receding gums can cause sensitive teeth. People who grind their teeth will wear away the tooth enamel and expose the dentin on parts of the teeth above the gum line. A broken or cracked tooth can become infected with bacteria and cause pain. Plaque on the roots will cause sensitivity, and if you have slightly sensitive teeth and you use certain mouthwashes, they can further erode the dentin and cause pain.
Foods that contain a lot of acid like citrus fruits and tea help erode enamel; your age has an effect, too. Sensitivity in the teeth usually peaks in the late twenties. Also, products that contain peroxide or baking soda heighten teeth sensitivity, including mouthwashes, toothpastes and teeth whitening products that contain these elements.
Even certain dental procedures like root planing, fillings and cleaning can cause temporary tooth sensitivity. And brushing your teeth too hard or vigorously, especially if you use a stiff toothbrush, can actually wear away enamel and expose the dentin, which leads to more sensitive teeth.
The best steps to take if you have sensitive teeth are to be diligent about your oral hygiene, use a soft toothbrush and try a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Avoid tartar control toothpastes and instead choose one that simply contains fluoride. It can help to smear a thin layer of the toothpaste at your gum line on sensitive teeth before bed to let the ingredients work on the sensitivity while you sleep. A neutral, fluoridated mouthwash instead of one that contains harsh ingredients can help ease sensitivity. Regular fluoride treatments from your dentist can help, as well.
A mouth guard can help prevent grinding damage. And limiting acidic foods from your diet can also help. In some cases in which a tooth is extremely sensitive and causes a lot of pain, a root canal may be called for to alleviate the pain. This essentially removes the pulp of the tooth so there’s nothing left to cause pain. For teeth that aren’t sensitive around the root but on top a crown can often solve the problem. Most cases of sensitive teeth can be corrected with careful brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.
