What are
hypersensitive teeth?
Sensitive
teeth are a common dental problem known as dentine hypersensitivity. Teeth can
become sensitive when the enamel that covers them begins to erode.
The
inside of a tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which
contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. An outer layer of
enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of tooth, and the dentin
extending down to the root of tooth is protected by a layer of cementum. As the
enamel wears away, the underlying layer of dentin is exposed, and results in
discomfort when consuming hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods.
The
level of sensitivity can vary, meaning you can experience anything from mild to
severe discomfort. This is a condition that can develop over time, and most
sufferers are between 20 and 50 years old.
Sensitive
teeth can also be a warning sign of serious dental problems.
Causes
of sensitive teeth
♦ Brushing
too hard: . Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too
much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, you can wear down
the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow tubes or
canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubes are exposed to extreme
temperatures or acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can
result. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles
and to be gentler when brushing.
♦ Tooth
attrition: It may be physiological. It is very common in old aged
patients and patients who have habit of chewing pan masala with betel nut.
♦ Tooth
decay: It is one the major cause of sensitive teeth, particularly
in second or third stage of dental decay, when decay progressed near pulp or up
to pulp tissue. Dental decay is major cause of loss of enamel. Worn leaky
fillings and broken teeth that expose the dentin of tooth.
♦ Gum
disease: A build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede
down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Due to pyorrhea,
loss of gum tissue exposed the sensitive root portion of teeth to hot and cold
things.
♦ Grinding
your teeth: A habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together
usually at night (bruxism) which can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn
away.
♦ Naturally
shrinking gums: If you’re over 40, it could be that your gums
are showing signs of wear and tear by pulling away from your teeth and
uncovering your tooth roots. Those roots don’t have enamel to protect them, so
they’re much more sensitive than the rest of your tooth.
Treatment
of sensitive teeth
Sensitive
teeth can be troublesome, but they can be treated. The type of treatment will
depend on what is the cause of the sensitivity. Even in situations where there
is no obvious cause for your pain, there are numerous treatments to help you
manage the sensitivity.
Having
a conversation with your dentist is the first step in finding relief from your
discomfort. Describe your symptoms and tell your dentist when the pain started.
After
examination of sensitive teeth, cause will be determined, then treatment will
be given according to the reason for your sensitivity.
Here
are some of the most common treatments for sensitive teeth:
♦ Desensitizing
toothpaste: This contains compounds that help block transmission of
sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several
applications before the sensitivity is reduced. There are many brands of
toothpaste on the market made to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth.
♦ Fluoride
gel:
It is an in-office fluoride application gel to strengthen the tooth enamel.
This technique reduces the transmission of sensations.
♦ Periodontal
treatment: If you have gum disease that has progressed to a chronic or
advanced stage, you'll need to treat this as well.
♦ Cracked
tooth: A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond
tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to evaluate your tooth and decide the
right course of treatment, such as a cap with or without root canal treatment
or an extraction.
♦ Rootcanal treatment: If sensitivity is severe and persistent and
cannot be treated by other means, it is last option to eliminate the problem.
An x-ray should be taken to determine if a root canal could be the issue, and
it will remove the nerve so it's no longer there to cause you pain.
Prevention
of Sensitive Teeth
If you
have dentine hypersensitivity, you can help to minimize further exposure of the
dentine and relieve the painful symptoms by making some simple changes to your
daily oral care routine and dietary habits. As well as keeping up to date with
your dentist appointment, and making sure you maintain a good oral hygiene
routine at home, the steps below can help you to prevent sensitive teeth:
♦ Brush
your teeth twice a day: Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Avoid
brushing your teeth from side to side.
♦ Change
your toothbrush: Every two to three months, or sooner if it
becomes worn.
♦ Avoidacidic foods and drinks: Soda, sticky candy, high-sugar all of
these treats attack enamel. Instead, snack on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables,
cheese or plain yogurt.
♦ Stop
grinding your teeth: Over time, teeth grinding wears away your
enamel. Sometimes, addressing your stress can stop the problem. If that doesn’t
work, night guard is last option to protect your teeth during night.
♦ Don’t
brush too hard: If you clean your teeth with a heavy hand you
might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the
gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled
brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and
strong. Learn proper technique for teeth brushing.
♦ Visit
your dentist regularly: See your dentist 6 monthly for proper
assessment and to find out how to prevent sensitive teeth.