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Conditions | Sensitivity
Are Your Teeth Sensitive?
Is a
taste of ice cream or a
sip of hot coffee
sometimes a painful
experience for you? Does
brushing or flossing
make you wince
occasionally? If so, you
may have a common
problem called
"sensitive teeth."
What Causes
Sensitive Teeth?
Cavities and fractured
teeth can cause
sensitive teeth. But if
your dentist has ruled
these problems out, then
worn tooth enamel, a
cracked tooth (PDF)
or an exposed tooth root
may be the cause.
A
layer of enamel, the
strongest substance in
the body, protects the
crowns of healthy teeth.
A layer called cementum
protects the tooth root
under the gum line.
Underneath the enamel
and the cementum is
dentin, a part of the
tooth that is less dense
than enamel or cementum.
The dentin contains
microscopic tubules
(small hollow tubes or
canals). When the dentin
loses its protective
covering, the tubules
allow heat and cold or
acidic or sticky foods
to stimulate the nerves
and cells inside the
tooth. This causes
hypersensitivity and
occasional discomfort.
Fortunately, the
irritation does not
cause permanent damage
to the pulp. Dentin may
be exposed when gums
recede. The result can
be hypersensitivity near
the gum line.
Proper oral hygiene is
the key to preventing
gums from receding and
causing sensitive-tooth
pain. If you brush your
teeth incorrectly or
even over-brush, gum
problems can result. Ask
your dentist if you have
any questions about your
daily oral hygiene
routine.
Treating
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can be
treated. Your dentist
may suggest that you try
a desensitizing
toothpaste, which
contains compounds that
help block transmission
of sensation from the
tooth surface to the
nerve. Desensitizing
toothpaste usually
requires several
applications before the
sensitivity is reduced.
When choosing toothpaste
or any other dental care
products, look for those
that display the
American Dental
Association's
Seal of Acceptance–your
assurance that products
have met ADA criteria
for safety and
effectiveness.
If
the desensitizing
toothpaste does not ease
your discomfort, your
dentist may suggest
in-office techniques. A
fluoride gel, which
strengthens tooth enamel
and reduces the
transmission of
sensations, may be
applied to the sensitive
areas of the teeth.
If
receding gums cause the
sensitivity, your
dentist may use agents
that bond to the tooth
root to "seal" the
sensitive teeth. The
sealer usually is
composed of a plastic
material.
In
cases where
hypersensitivity is
severe and persistent
and cannot be treated by
other means, your
dentist may recommend
endodontic (root
canal) treatment to
eliminate the problem.
Information provided by the ADA, American
Dental Association,
www.ada.org
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