Sensitive Teeth
Causes and treatment:
If a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee is sometimes painful or if brushing and flossing makes you wince occasionally you may have a common problem called “sensitive teeth”. Some of the causes include tooth decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, worn enamel, cracked or fractured fillings, and roots that are exposed as a result of aggressive brushing, gum recession and periodontal (gum) disease
Think of your tooth as an onion which has three layers. There is an outer portion of the tooth above the surface of the gum line and a outer portion below the gum line. The layer above the gum line is called enamel and is the strongest substance in the body. Enamel protects the crown portion of the tooth. There is a layer under the gum line called cementum. Cementum works to protect the tooth root structure. Under the enamel and cementum is dentin, a part of the tooth that is less dense than enamel or cementum. Dentin is made up of little tubules that are fluid filled that act not only as shock absorbers but as protection of the nerve (pulp/most inner portion) of the tooth. When a tooth looses the protective outer layer the dentin allows heat, cold, acidic, or sticky foods to stimulate the nerve and cells inside the tooth. This will cause hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort when you chew, drink cold or hot liquids, or when you breathe through your mouth.
Proper oral hygiene is an important step in preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease and pain from sensitive teeth. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or brush too aggressively, you may injure your gums and expose tooth roots. Periodontal disease and infection of the gums and bone that support the tooth may also be responsible. If periodontal disease is left untreated, gum tissues can separate from the tooth and form spaces called pockets that provide a home for bacteria. Periodontal disease can progress until the bone and other tooth supporting tissues are destroyed, leaving the root surfaces of teeth exposed. Regular dental check ups are important so that tooth decay, periodontal disease and other problems may be detected and treated in the early stages.
Treatment:
Sensitive teeth can be treated. Depending on the cause, Dr. Prosser may suggest that you try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block sensation traveling from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing tooth paste 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. This will ensure that the products have met with the ADA criteria for safety; and effectiveness.
If the desensitizing toothpaste does not ease your discomfort, Dr. Prosser may suggest in office treatments. A fluoride gel or special desensitizing agents may be applied to the sensitive areas of the affected teeth. When these measures do not correct the problem, Dr. Prosser will have other treatment options such as a filling or crown to cover the exposed area of the root surfaces. The type of treatment will be determined by the cause of the sensitivity at your visit.
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